Charley, I like your answer.

Also, those who forget history are condemned to repeat it.

Not all folk songs are sexist, racist -- and most of the ones that we perceive as such, weren't by the mores of the era they were from.

And a LOT of the themes are the common themes of the "folk" today and can on some level still be identified with. Besides, there's some really good turns of phrase,, good singable tunes that make you WANT to sing, and they tell a good story.

And my taste runs towards songs with a good melody and a good story to tell, unlike what's most commonly heard on the airwaves.

Linn