Soldier boy, even if you are an amateur social singer should you not aim to do that as well as possible? That is what I meant about aspiring to professional standards.

Actually, I'm not writing from the viewpoint of the performer, professional or amateur, but that of the audience. When I go to a folk club I don't expect professional-quality performances from amateur singers, but I don't think it's unreasonable expect them to make an effort to put on a good performance. If a performer will not put in the effort to learn a song properly why should they expect me to listen to them?

If someone makes that effort, even if they struggle in their performance they will usually get the audience's attention and support.