From a woman's point of view, looking back from our times, I see it as surviving in popularity because it is about a woman who did not fall prey to conventions, although in the end she did pay for it with her life. Think of all the women who must've heard this and wished they'd had the wherewithal or gumption to refuse a suitor, even at the expense of their lives, than wind up in the lives they must've done.

But then, perhaps we take it all too seriously and it is just a heartwrenching ballad that makes everyone glad to hear it because of the depth of emotions etc. it portrays? I am just thinking out loud here, guys, forgive me?!

katwhoreallydoesliketosingthissong