Joe Offer wrote... "Dan, why doesn't the CD booklet contain lyrics (other than the well-known fact that CD booklets take time and money that are not always readily available)? Where can we find them? Might you be willing (and able?) to post them all in this thread (one song per message, if possible)? I'll be glad to cross-reference them to other threads, and do any editing you need."

Regarding lyrics: there are a few reasons Joe. You've mentioned a couple. Beyond those...
a. When I wrote the introduction to The Bonnie Bunch of Roses (my folk song collection), I included the observation that singers come in 3 categories: those who change nothing from their source, those who alter only a few details to clarify the message, and those who change things wholesale. Culturally, I wanted the CD singers to learn the songs from the original recording (and they did); artistically, I "trusted" them to retain the integrity of the songs (and they did); and, realistically, I expected the 3 possibilities above (and got them all). Of course, I didn't feel I could print texts as being from the Flanders Ballad Collection if they were not per se (I did comment in a couple of places within the notes when there was a substantial change from the FBC source).         
b. I've never really found song texts within the notes absolutely necessary. All the songs on Irish Songs from Old New England are in English and all singers on the CD have pretty good diction. My e-mail address is contained in the notes and I do get occasional queries.

Since returning to work following my (earlier) retirement, I'm really very busy and seem to be stepping from one obstacle to the next all the while. I'm actually being held back from making the next couple of CDs by a terrible lack of time.      

All the best,
Dan