I love Ballads and have been listening to them for many years,and I occasionally work up the courage to sing a few from time to time. I am by no means a scholar on this subject. However, I have really enjoyed (except for the argumentative bits) this thread and have learned a great deal. This is what is grand about mudcat...But why do these threads always seem to get hijacked. Oh well, still enjoyable if you ignore the negative aspects. Gives me lots to think about regarding ballads...thank you.