Rosie,

If you cannot sing it to yourself without tears, then the likelihood is that you won't succeed in front of an audience. Also, I would recommend that you limit how many of this type song you sing in one set. Guy Clark says he limits himself to one "wrist-slitter" per night.

Others have suggested practice, practice, practice. Tabster's advice is very applicable. I would add that repeated listening to the song will help in many ways: it helps you learn the song; it should help you identify what it is that makes it special to you; and it will help to inure you to the consequences.

The other day I brought home Richard Thompson's "Vincent Black Lightening". My wife saw them and found the content odd. I tried to sing it acapella for her, and I could not finish the song. And I can tell you why the song makes me so sad since it is far from my personal experience. Maybe one day I'll find out. Until then it won't be on my set list.

Roger in Baltimore