Somewhere about late 1977, I heard June Tabor's version played on the folk program in Wash DC. I was transfixed.... various local people learned it, and it was sung reverently around here on special occasions, with only minor alterations that simply reflected different singers' ideas of pace and emphasis. It was a fine, moving song which, no matter what one thinks about 'accuracy' or exact title.

Naturally, it became an obvious vehicle for other recording 'artists' to take a ride on, and it's almost de rigueur for many to "make a song your own".....well, maybe... for some songs. Bogle's intent, as he makes clear, has been severely distorted in many recent versions. But he also realizes it is far beyond his control now. The list of songs which have been atrociously mangled is longer than any of our arms...(I have 70 versions of "Hard Times Come Again No More" ... a few of which are good, a few decent.... and many that make me go "Huh?")

The Men They Couldn't Hang don't 'get' the tune... which changes the feel of the song. The Dropkick Murphys come closer to MY taste, but still pace it awkwardly and do a few odd things to the melody in places. So? At least they don't sanitize the message and change the basic intent. If the song is intended for an audience which may have no knowledge of the original, why not just write a new song that says what they wish? Oh- right... talent & ability andde gustibus non disputandum.

There's little that can be done except to occasionally sing it closer to the way Bogle intended and try to expose offenders to 'other' recorded versions. Those who get it will ...get it... and perhaps do better afterwards. Petitions are probably a waste of time in these cases, but *shrug*... a little publicity might raise a few consciousnesses.