Well, I wasn't really complaining about having to sing it because i certainly could have refused. I have a day job now and could afford to turn down the gig. I am just amazed that a song like that is so popular and, as Seamus pointed out - the great Christy Moore actually recorded it! I think it's absolute treacle (well treacle tastes pretty good - but you know what I mean).

I think the issue of whether or not to sing songs one doesn't like (for working musicians - by that I mean you're being paid for the gig, not necessarily that it's your only source of income) is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. Likewise the decision as to whether or not to take requests. I do take requests, and I usually keep a "fake book" handy so I can accommodate them (and not have to memorize a lot of songs I really don't want to learn!) I want my audience to enjoy themselves.   But I would not perform a song that I found offensive for some reason - too vulgar, politically insensitive, etc. and I guess everyone has their own criteria for this. I usually end up doing a mix of songs I like and songs I don't like, and that's okay. Like many singers I'm really sick of Danny Boy but it is rewarding to me to see how much some people enjoy it.