"So, what you're saying, Jim..."
Nope, sorry - no agreement here.
I'm saying that the content of folk songs (proper), as distinct from pop, singer-songwriter, et al, is one we can all identify with.
The transmission, say, of The Unfortunate Rake, can allow somebody dying of clap to be specifically a soldier, sailor, marine, ploughman, navvy, cowhand, gunfighter, whore (or punter of same) - not part of a definition; just a feature of construction and transmission.
Ian; the piper should always call the tune - certainly not the one who pays (if that's what you mean) otherwise you may as well close the club and install a juke-box.
A folk club should always be a place for creative and interprative artists, not monkeys on barrel-organs.
Jim Carroll