Yeah, I know, Jerry. While I am one who thinks clear definitions are important to having a cogent discussion, I also have a very wide gray area when it comes to deciding whether or not a song is traditional. When it comes to listening to or playing music, I don't give a fig for the provenance of the song, just whether or not I like it.

As for songs changing their stripes when taken into a different context, my opinion is that a traditional Irish dance tune played in the most classically stilted way imaginable is still a traditional Irish dance tune. A modern pop song sung by a person completely steeped in traditional ballad singing is still a modern pop song, even if the singer puts in lots of traditional ballad ornaments. But those kind of distinctions are only useful for talking about music, not for making music.

John