I can't imagine why this is even an issue--it's hard to believe it's not a put-on.    Just sing the blessed song if you like it and don't if you don't like it.

It does seem somewhat self-defeating to narrow yourself to songs whose characters you identity with. Looks like Captain Kidd won't be sung by Mudcatters any more. Too bad. It's a fun song and people like it.

As has been mentioned, acting is often a part of singing.   Nothing wrong with that.   Why manufacture an artificial hangup?