Yes I agree with Howard above ~ the words in traditional song conveying the story are the most important part ~ have to be ~ the tune is as well as an aid to memory a means of helping to tell that story

The means of telling the story uses English language with all its pauses and stops, long notes and whatever can be used to accentuate parts available to a singer

Of course this can and will affect the overall tune with its deviations ~ bound to

I reckon Tony Rose was probably the best singer and musician of the area ~ though Martyn Wyndham Reed is fine singer ~ he does pick some funny keys (each to his own of course!)
Ray