...and can I add to Shimrod's comment the observation that very few of us sing traditional songs because we feel some obligation to preserve them (please note, all those of you like to introduce terms like 'aspic', 'museum curator', or even 'pedant' into the discussion). While I'm of course delighted that the interest of several of our most talented young performers should ensure their survival for another generation or so yet, the only proper reason for singing the old songs is because they're great songs. They have beautiful melodies and simple yet poetic lyrics, they speak of real life (give or take the odd dragon), they can move us to tears or laughter, and they can make the hairs rise on our necks. That's why we sing them.