I was singing in a folk club at Port Talbot, quite some years ago.
I used sing with my eyes closed, but not with my finger in my ear! Anyway, at the end of the song I opened my eyes to discover that I was facing the back of the stage!! I don't sing with my eyes closed now.

How well I remember my very first visit to a folk club back in the 60's!
I sang a sea shanty which I had learnt from a "Sing Out" magazine. It was performed in strict tempo. When it came to the refrain, I was expecting a rousing reaction from the club audience - nothing was heard and I saw them looking at each other in an embarrased silence, except for one or two sympathetic members who endeavoured to join in. I didn't get through the song and I wished that the floor would open and swallow me up.