"The difference, in most cases, between an enjoyable and engaging performance and a stilted, boring rendition of a song that seems to mean little or nohting to the singer"

"as no-one seems to object to dots, i.e. some-one reading music, so what's the difference - forgetting the words or the music?

Peterr - "Sorry if I hit a nerve"

not really Peterr, I'm happy (and have been for over 40 years) to use aide memoir's when I felt I required them and have no objections (or feel I have the right to have) to Anyone using whatever they require to join in and make music..... Maybe ALL artificial aids could be banned from music etc....   eg glasses (optical) to be handed in at the door, music for orchestras banned - and why a professional like a vicar still reads from the Bible - Heaven only knowns.

Re. Boring renditions.......   One regular at a local club known 2 songs (without need for words or prompts) and sings them week after week - with NO FEELING whatsoever - At least with the aid of a song book we might get some variation! - But He enjoys what he's doing and fee "part" of the group.....

Pete - with no rr's :-)