A Tradition is the idiom from which any given song is derived. No song ever defines its own idiom, so, therefore, all songs are traditional.

I would disagree, I'm afraid, SOP. A tradition - not just in music, is not defined unless it has persisted across a set period of time. Trees at Christmas, for instance, were not traditional in the UK until well after they were introcudced by Prince Albert. A song is th esame - It cannot be considered traditional until it has become part of the tradition of that culture.

Going back to the Christmas theme, Slade's Christmas song could now be considered part of the Christmas tradition and, therefore, a traditional song in that circumstance. Please note that I am not saying it is folk song - That is an entirely different argument.

To say that all songs are traditional is using the same argument as all songs are folk songs - If you beleive either then it is fine by me, as long as you don't expect me to believe the same.

Cheers

Dave