Mr. Carroll

I am not from the UK. But I do live in the UK and I am one who does love to listen to the traditional English, or Irish or Scots song rendered by the voice of one who has lived or indirectly learned the tale s/he sings, be it 4 or 24 verses long.

You make me weep with your story. What a thief that maths teacher was. Your story reads as though it should be transcribed to radio, stage or screen play, with bits of authentically rendered folk music laced throughout. Oh I wish I wish, I could write it.

As a newly converted folk singer with a passable voice, I love to sing what does not legitimately (by birth) belong to me to perform. I am trying to learn, though my first discovered sources have proved to be dressed up 60's and 70's renditions. Mudcat helps me source original verses and blessedly provides a wealth through all of its knowledgable folk, as do the folk clubs and events I attend.

Someday I hope that I may be able to do justice to the precedent song, having been informed and trained by this forum and others who know better. God bless the teacher who loves to share his passion (as you have just done).

I do not seek to argue but simply to beg a boon. Please permit this lowly anglophile of a Yank to sing what she loves to sing. The same music you have so passionately described above.

Best regards
Tam