Bert said:

"people would sooner not know about things like that. Keep singing it, LOUDER."

I disagree. Not that "folk" music shouldn't carry a political message, but with the idea that the way to get it across is to sing louder.

I say the way to get it across is to make sure it's good, listenable music first, and then insert your political message with reasonable sublety. If I want to listen to a political speech, it doesn't need rhyme or melody. If I want to listen to a song, it has to stand on its own as a song, irrespective of the message.

I do get a little cynical about how much folksinging with a political message involves preaching to the converted. Everyone who wishes to sing political folk songs should be required to sing "The House of Orange" in an Irish bar on Saturday night, as a sort of entrance exam.

IMHO. Peter.