Jim,

I am reluctant to debate with you because we agree about so much.

But some broadside ballads are sung as they were published 150 years ago and remain unchanged. Likewise some songs which have been composed have hardly changed either and yet would be recognisably folk songs. Some of Ewan's songs have come back unchanged having passed through the communal experience.

It may be that some of these composed songs (Fiddler's Green being a good example) have not been around enough to be "changed" by communal experience, but I would suggest it has been sung thousands of times and have not changed one iota. It isn't traditional I agree - but where else could you put it other than in folk song?

Finally other sorts of music don't seem to have this problem. Having been beating myself over the head with this question since I can remember - I decided to go along with them!!

Best regards,

Dave