RUS is a fine book, with a lot of good songs. However it should be recognized that it is in fact not a folk hymnbook, should be used as one of many sources, and should always be left AT HOME.

It is basically a snapshot, with no pretense to ultimate truth in either tune or words--and even if it were more than that, the folk process can change either or both---and that is absolutely fine.

I think all what those who actually like to sing are saying is "Spare us from 'Let's turn to page 34 and sing the second one from the bottom"-----when there is no guarantee that anybody in the group has an inkling of either the tune or the words.

Another hazard of RUS in a mixed group-- (that is, some people who actually have learned some songs, and some people who only show up at the "sing" with RUS in hand, and have made no effort whatsoever to learn any)-- is that if a song led by one of the first group is by some dreadful chance in "THE BOOK", the latter group have an endearing habit of pointing out that the leader who does not use the book has sung it "wrong".

Yet another phenomenon I have noted in RUS "sings" is the compulsion to plow through the last 7 verses of a song, stumbling through the last 5--since after all the leader singing from "THE BOOK" has never himself or herself seen those last verses.

I have unlimited empathy for somebody singing without THE BOOK who forgets words--but none for the leader singing from THE BOOK who stumbles over the words.

It's even better to lead a song with a piece of paper in your hand--even as a talisman, that works--(and glancing at it from time to time if you have to, but obviously the goal should be being able to sing with no crutch)---than to sing from THE BOOK.

I'm sorry if I'm being too subtle.