"I thought the Corries' version vitiated every atom of emotion in the song."

I'm sorry, but I can't agree with that. It was the emotion, particularly in the first verse and chorus, that grabbed my attention.

The Corries' YouTube rendition of R. of A. is only one performance, and under specific circumstances. When they do the song in other situations, they may do it quite differently. Technically the same (same notes, same rhythm), but with a somewhat different emotional coloration.

They are performing on television (TV cameras are visible here and there) with an enthusiastic studio audience. I notice that Roy, singing the lead, starts off at a fairly moderate tempo (but too fast to please some, I'm sure), but with the emotional content right up front. That's when I perked up my ears. But as the song develops, he does a sort of "Rossini Overture" thing and gradually speeds up as the song goes along. I think what's happening here is that he is getting caught up with the audience response and is losing the emotional thread of the song, especially when Ronnie invites the audience to join in on the choruses. By the time they hit the repeat of the last chorus, it is moving with considerable momentum and verve, and the sentiment in the song has simply taken a second place to simple enthusiasm of the moment.

Granted, not a particularly great performance emotion-wise. But—I've seen this same thing happen in many live performances, by very well known individuals and groups. It would be interesting to hear The Corries' recorded performance of R. of A. and see if it isn't different in that respect.

Don Firth