By example: A rose is a rose is a rose--even if you spell it "bandanbladastiddle."

This is the first verse of the song "Barbara Allen" as it was sung for me by Del (or Dave) Bray, a retired cowboy, in July of 1962 in Cheyenne, Wyoming---USA. It is still "Barbara Allen" even though the language "probably" wasn't the lyric heard by Samuel Pepys when he reported having heard it sung in 1666.

Near Medicine Bow where I was born
There was a fair maid dwellin'
Made all the boys ride saddle sore
And her name was Barbara Allen!

YES, the song has changed, and "beer" is mentioned, but it is still "ROBIN HOOD's DEATH." Maybe you are correct, and beer wasn't around then, but why does this, seemingly, negate this interesting incarnation of the ballad?!

Art