Thanks all.
I'm kind of with Suzy T in that I like to know what it is that I'm singing, (being a better singer than fiddler), even if it's in another language.
And Dead Horse, I did go to the Balfa version first.   As bad as some of the cajun-speaking French is, I could understand the Balfas pretty well, along with some other versions I've heard. I was just perplexed when I went back to listen to Emmylou's version, because it didn't sound recognizable. I was just curious if she created a whole new set of lyrics.