In that case, there are quite a few young singer/songwriters showing a lot of talent. I thought it was beautiful. She can't be out of her teens yet, can you imagine what she'll mature into as an artist? A little encouragement from us oldie been-there's would not go amiss. Wish I'd been that good at her age.

"Rambling Dylanoid expanse of nothing" is way too harsh, even if it had been aimed at a seasoned performer. The original Suzanne Vega song that sparked this one off has a very different story and not nearly so interesting a melody, and the only things they really have in common are a queen and some undefined soldiers (Vega's soldier plays a central role). The plot also has elements of Silas Marner in it. But good art does that - draws influences from many cultural wellsprings and creates something new from them.

I hope this lovely young artist will keep writing and singing, and not let any dismissive words hinder or undermine her. New talent like this, that doesn't just pander to the pop formula and the wannabe-a-star machine, should be nurtured.