I suppose these things are dictated by culture. The culture of folk music seems to demand singing without notes. I come from the Wisconsin summer camp culture, and I absolutely detest having song lyrics sheets at campfires - and had frequent battles with Cub Scout den mothers who demanded that I provide song sheets for their children. Choir singers almost universally use hymnals, and classical singers usually use sheet music. Pop singers are generally expected to know their lyrics, although it seems some of them use TelePrompters or lip-sync.

So, it seems that different styles have different expectations. Still, some of us choir singers who would like to sing folk music, don't feel comfortable with our ability to memorize songs - and we feel excluded by those who demand that we do just that. And some of us camp song singers would like to begin to sing something more adult - and we need help.

So, I dunno. I guess absolutism is the mark of our culture nowadays. People are convinced that there's only one way to do things - their way. But give me a break, hey? Don't look at me when I'm singing, and then decide whether you like how I sing. Lots of people think my singing style is kinda crazy, but they grow to like it. And if you really don't want to see me with a lyrics sheet, I hope you like camp songs.

You put your left foot in, you put your left foot out....

-Joe-