Folk Music is not a dead subject. There's no such thing as a "wrong" version of a Folksong, or the proper traditional version.
The true folk tradition, as pertains to the "proper version", is simply this, "SING IT THE WAY YOU LIKE IT. CHANGE IT TO SUIT YOURSELF". This is known as "THE FOLK PROCESS" It, the folk process, is not a dead issue. It is the very heart of the evolution of a song.

For Instance, take a look at the "Greenland Whale Fisheries". The earliest versions of this song that I've come across, were real stinkers. The poetry wasn't anywhere near as good as the more recent examples. The reason why I put this song up as an example of what I mean is simply that the date is in the first verse.

Now here are two recently added verses to "Away Rio" and I think they are every bit within the Folkl Tradition as any of the older verses.


(Note) The Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut is a fine establishment and well worth visiting. Howevewr, one or two of their "Experts" don't know what they are talking (or writing) about.


AT MYSTIC THERE'S EXPERTS A-PLENTY, BY jEEZ,

AWAY RIO

BUT, I WOULDN'T GO SAILING WITH ANY OF THESE

AND WE'RE BOUND FOR THE RIO GRAND

                   II
THEY'VE GOT THESE HERE EXPERTS ALL OVER THE PLACE
\
AWAY RIO

WHO DON'T KNOW THEIR ASS FROM THE "YANKEES'" THIRD BASE

AND WE'RE BOUND FOR THE RIO GRAND

A note for "Britts":   The phrase, " He don't know his ass from third base", is in common usage here. It means, quite simply that the person, to which this is applied, doesn't know what he (or she) is talking about. The "New York Yankees" are a major league baseball team.


I am long winded, aint I?
.
Jody