Ian, you might enjoy doing a web search on filk music.
Meg Davis wrote the song The Elf Glade, an interesting ballad - minor key with a strong (yet haunting) melody; time changes between 4/4 and 6/4; and lyrics that tell a wonderous story on this subject. You can find this song on her 'Captain Jack and the Mermaid' CD.
(If you like the song, you'll be happy to know that Meg has made friends with one of the oldest inhabitants of the Elf Glade and he, along with his nephew, are helping her to write an in-depth book of their lives and adventures which she hopes to publish in the 'not too distant' future.)
Rose