"Of course some traditions are based on new compositions. I am one of those who don't really care -- if it sounds like a traditional song to me, then it rings that chime in me that traditional songs do."

"I now believe the songs to be the product of a creative tradition of master vernacular craftsmanship with respect of song making, singing, carrying and subsequent transformation which spread throughout the English Speaking world. Such skill still exists in pockets, throwing up some fine songs in the idiom of the tradition, many of which I've sang in the faith of them being traditional until being informed otherwise."

Hooray! I think I can see light at the end of the tunnel. But why do I have a nasty feeling that it's a train approaching?