I don't know that Waltzing With Bears is very sacchrine. It is just a kid's song. I thought we were talking about Supersacchrine Songs and Dead Puppy Laments.Truth be told, many people like overly-sentimental songs, or what to my ear sounds like an overly- sentimental song. What is overly sentimental in a song is a matter of opinion, I suppose, just as what is overly sweet in a wine. People who are constantly hugging and kissing and being nice to each other have a higher tolerance for this kind of thing. Being alone, sour, and defensive of personal space, I am not one such person.
I defend Streets of London. It's a sad song, but not over done. I see these people all the time, staring into their coffees at restaurants, old and lonely. And there is nothing wrong with telling people to stop their whining. ( If you don't like this song, then you may as well add "Hello In There" to the list.) It's probably that one hears it so often by second-rate singers, and the rhyme scheme is off in one of the verses.
"My Way" is not sugary, just vain boastfulness. Sugar Sugar by The Archies was bubblegum, and bubblegum is supposed to be sweet. What do they listen to now? Rap and Death Metal, screeching and pounding and gutteral calls for violence and cruelty. Give me kids listening to Sugar, Sugar any day.
Maybe I don't like Muskrat Love because I don't like muskrats, or any other similar rodent vermin. I have to say "Honey" is probably the best nomination on this list yet, a five-star stinker if ever there was one.
What about that song about the boy and his dog? "When I was a boy, I had a dog ---- Shep? Shemp?" Over the meadows and all that.
Can't think of any traditional songs that fall into this category.