why do we do it?

Why do the actors in East Enders and Coronation Street use regional accents?

That's what a song is - a passionate soliloquy.

sometimes the magic works - sometimes -alas not.

Why do trad singers feel inclined to enforce a dull conformity. Kate Rusby/Northen, Martin Carthy/gurning, Christy Moore's brogue. Its okay to copy these guys.

Is it really so much more heinous to be Bert Trubshaw's Johnny Cash?