Great thread! My own way of doing things-- When I have learned a song from a particular source I try to do it as close as I can to the way I heard that recording (or memory) -- this leads to discussions with fellow Carter Family fans whether in Little Moses the Jews "safely crossed" or "stepped across" and with Charlie Poole freaks whether the Gypsy Girl's husband led her to a pleasant quiet shore, a pleasant white shore, or a pleasant (quite) shore! But when what I have learned is a generic version I don't think I ever sing it the same way twice. John Henry is longer or shorter depending on how detailed you want the story to be. OTOH the Big Bend Gal always does the same things (except for bowlderization from the original Shelor Family)