Not denying that culture at all, JB. However, according to Roud and others, singing of the old songs was once very widespread too.

Spleen, I agree absolutely, music is music and should be judged only by whether its any good or not. But I suspect everyone arguing here feels the same. What I don't like is people who enjoy or perform old stuff being accused of being librarians or academics just because they respond to a genuine request for clarification (i.e. the OP) with answers that fit with the best of their own knowledge.