Now, how many of these songs are truly influential on the general public, and how many are popular with folkies?

Ask the average person in the street about John Dengate, Judy Small, or John Warner, and they will gaze at you blankly.

Ask them about Eric Bogle or Ted Egan, and you might do just a little better.

The pop/rock singers might be better known, but how many of the songs are influential?

"Only Nineteen" could have made people aware of the plight of many Vietnam veterans, and "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" could either make more people interested in Anzac Day, ot might be regarded as anti-war by ordinary people.

There are a few others that might strike a chord if people heard them, but they don't hear them - Bogle's "Shelter" or mTony Miles' "Enola Gay" for example.

Possibly "God Save the Queen" and "Advance Australia Fair" have more effect on people, negative or positive, than any of the songs we like to think of as important.

I love being the Devil's Advocate.