I think the problem is that we don't live in vacuum. We bring the prejudices of our own age to bear on the subject.

its always unwittingly, but its always the way.

take what you can from the past, or what appeals from techniques but NEVER make the arrogant mistake of thinking your understanding of a situation that prompted the song is superior to that of the creator.

there are so many instances of this. that anyone who has been around folksong for any length of time should understand this surely.