Very interesting thread, folks.

It makes me wonder about the practice of writing new lyrics for folk tunes. I'm not talking about parodies but about distinct new songs, like Pat Cooksey's "The Sick Note" to the tune of "Garden Where the Praties Go."

How does this kind of songwriting generally go over with programmers and audiences that are s/s oriented, and with programmers and audiences that prefer traditional? Is it something to please everyone, or something to displease everyone?

And do songwriting competitions generally allow you to enter new lyrics for a traditional tune? And if it's allowed... is there any possibility of winning, or would it be held against you?

Marion