Scrump,
I agree with your sentiments about getting past the performer at the song and applying your own interpretation, but I am not sure about the statement "get the lyrics and tune in as pure a form as possible". How do you know what is a "pure form"? Does such a thing exist with traditional songs? After all most songs, and their tunes, have changed over time. In some cases songs even acquire new tunes. Given all this, what is a "pure form"?

Jim Carrol,
I do think your remark to the girl was a little unkind. You could have been more constructive.