I think we need a new name for a song that uses the tune and format (and even some of the words) of another song, but isn't making fun of that song or its theme. The term "parody" implies an intent to mock, even good naturedly, or at least to twist the theme or style of the original in a humorous way. For example, "I Hype the Songs" (whose author I wish I knew), Bob Blue's "Their Way", "Charlie on the MTA", or "Deck the Halls with Boston Charlie." (Hmmm, I wonder if it's the same Charlie?)
But I once wrote a song called FOR JUST ONE DIME that's based on Stan Rogers' "Northwest Passage". It's a funny song, most people call it a parody, and it has that tag in the Digitrad. But it's not about what Stan's song is about, it's about a little guy who's mad at big corporations ripping off the public. I love Stan's song and wasn't trying to poke fun at it in any way. Can we come up with a new name for that kind of "parody"? Is it worth making the distinction? Any thoughts, all you folkie philosophers out there?

Aloha,
Mark Cohen