I have to admit that there are a number of ballads that drive me 'round the bend (or out the door), but then I would hear Lou Killen, for example, sing that same ballad and it would be as if I was hearing it for the first time.

For myself, I know I have a ballad internalised if (as Brian says) I feel the emotions and see the movie in the song. There are a few ballads I sing where there might be one line that gives me goosebumps. I figure if I get the goosebumps the odds are pretty good that the listeners have got them as well.

One of the most rewarding things to have happen after finishing a ballad is to hear the just barely audible sigh from the audience.

Debra