I've followed this tune down a number of paths without ever singing the "coaxing elf" storyline, and I do love the melody. It took some concentrating to play it as a waltz at first, since my strongest imprint is of it as a hymn tune - Kingsfold in the hymnal I work out of, with several different texts used. I can really go at it with fervor on the autoharp.

Where I love it best is used for "The Canticle of the Turning" aka "The World is about to turn" - an Annunciation/Magnificat themed text that really resonates. I first encountered this as part of a set of international pieces used for a "World Music Evensong" service, where I played this on concertina along with guitar and bodhran.

I also have an unhealthy enjoyment of parodies, and was fortunate to have a friend of a friend pass on to me the witty "Starbucks of County Down." I did in March, when trying to find something different to sing that still had a familiar flavor, specifically for my favorite open mic at a Starbucks.

I wonder, is there any term besides "popular" or "favorite" for tunes that have a lively career with a huge range of texts (or meter)?

Joanne in Cleveland