I used to like "Molecatcher" - haven't heard it in ages. I think I'd better dig it up.

Several questions.

First, where are you and what is YOUR tradition? That is your touchstone (and it also affects what is easy to source).

Second, what's the problem with learning stuff from your family? I sort of approve of that, it's more sort of "folk".

Third, by "upbeat" do you mean cheerful, happy ending sort of stuff, or songs that you can gallop along at a good clip with a strong pulse (whether or not they have a happy ending)?

Fourth, do you play or only sing?



Suggestions that you can race along: -

O'er the Hills and Far away (get drummer to play with you)
Maui (you need guitarist - sing it as fast as he can throw the slightly tricky chord changes in teh middle, and never slow down for the chorus)
Gentlemen of High Renown
Daddy Fox (can be done at any speed, the US tradition is I think faster)
Byker Hill
Thousands of shanties (Bullshine Run makes a nice chugger, if you accept it as a shanty. I do John Dameray very fast too)
Admiral Benbow (Brave Benbow he set sail... etc... version)
The Princess Alice (contemporary, Dave Rickard)
Johhny Dhu/Beggarman/Red haired boy (If you are celtic. Not a song fitted for an anglo-saxon!)
Tree in the Bog
Boss Man (Lightfoot)