"An American Indian sun-dance or an Australian corroboree is an exciting spectacle for the uninitiated, but for one who understands something of the culture whence it springs it is a hundred fold more heart-moving. "
Lowry C Wimberly - introduction to Folklore In The English and Scottish Ballads.
Blowzabella says it all somewhat more succinctly.
There are many and various ways to enjoy folksong and singing other than the "there wasn't a dry seat in the house" one that Lizzie appears to favour.
Jim Carroll