if those who argue for TOTAL openness and research cannot tell the difference between songs like "The Good Ship Venus" ,"Charlotte, the Harlot", "The Winnepeg Whore" and others which are interesting and well-crafted (and 'about' something) and the purely purile ditties under discussion, then I fear for the state of scholarship.

The examples I mention have plenty of explicit words IN them, but are way more than just an excuse to bellow dirty words. If you think the ditties John is currently 'researching' need preserving also, fine...I have no objection. Put them in the list as examples, but don't kid yourself that you will learn much about the history of bawdy songs by finding out that someone at BYU in 1963 also sang dirty words...(oh...wait...maybe if it was BYU, it might be important..*grin*)

I really find this statement by John Mehlberg to be sorta funny..." If I were to dash "---" expurgate the objectionable words, then there is a good chance I will never get to talk with the people who know this song."
1)such a tragedy!
2)oh, I suspect they'll find you---Google will lead them to your door!
3)and if Mudcat were NOT available? Go to any Hashers site and ask where they got their songs!