Basic to life is recognizing that it is tragic. Tragedy is at the root of all great art. Comedy is often called
"comic relief"; if it IS relief, then it is relief "FROM" something. And that "something" is the bedrock TRAGEDY.

Folk songs, to the extent that they artistically portray life as it was and is, ought to be appreciated as the sad documents of other times and peoples that they truly are.



We need both though. They both make us see the value inherent, therein, in each.------Life will, eventually, be tragic---for everyone. So get all the fun you can even while taking serious note of this lovely reality of things. Learn to laugh at Bush, Iraq, cancer----hell, all of it. And even the shit will turn to fun!

Love,

Art