I think what got me so excited about exegesis of folk songs was not to solve the question of how or when a song began-- although that is interesting and important-- but the idea that works with Bible exegesis, which is to reveal the underlying meanings of text and the situations from which it sprang or in which it was sung later.

You know. Like suddenly finding out that Mother Goose rhymes, charmimg in themselves, were all political at the time. Or that the Book of Revelation in the Bible was meant as a comment on the times as much as its other possible meanings....

So for me, I think I glimpse what Peter is saying, in that the more I understand about the songs, the more of ME is singing it. This should translate beyond me as the singer to make an experience for the listener that is driven as much by my internal, spirit-understanding as by the palpable words and tones produced.

Yes? Is that what those of you who do this research experience? Am I getting close to understanding?

~S~