Bill,

I've read the threads and spent years studying and trying to come to a definition that suffices and it is not going to happen. Too many academics spend far too much time trying to define things and lose sight of the real significance of the song itself, the people that are singing it etc. I have studied folkmusic/folklore within an academic setting and don't say this without experience. It is a real shame. Sure it is important to find a definition but no matter what your definition, someone is going to find something they don't like about it. This is the reason why I posted Broonzy's statement not for lack of reading but to emphasize that you are NEVER going to be able to find a definition for folksong that works. As long as people don't get pre-occupied with defining folksong (which they have been for centuries and will continue to do so despite my hope)and keep singing then I am happy.