Well, after the Hon Peace link it's as clear as mud. OK, then answer this one, if aural tradition is akin to here say, and, if only credence can be given to the written word, indeed the only valid version of anything is that which is written, then is that not mocking traditional music? The problem that I have with scholarship of folk music is that it pretends to be THE authority, however well meaning it is it isn't an exact science. At the end of the day it is interesting to know the root of a song, it's genesis, but it ain't the be all and end all. In so far as the song (as Ron sings it) it probably owes more to "sprig of thyme", Although I wonder if any one ever considered that there were a significant number of Jacobite's in the English community and I am a great believer in "No smoke without fire". However I could ramble on about how powerful the aural tradition is, having first hand experience of it, but since it is more about my family history rather than folk music I do not intend to bore you with it. Ok, before this turns into a war, I like singing, I like singing traditional songs with my mates, I am interested in the origins of songs but i am not obsessed by it although I will admit to owning a berghaus ( have I spelt that right? - yup I just had a look)it keeps the rain out when I am on the fells and when I am riding my bike (doesn't have mudguards) but I only wear it when it rains, sometimes I don't bother, I like getting really soaked and getting in the bath with a glass of wine and chilling (Red Wine)oops wandering off thread!
cheers
pete