i have no idea who martin simpson is although i have probably heard the name. I find it very hard to listen to lyrics, even when i try to make myself. i rarely get the story line. i vaguely know that a ship was wrecked or a mine collapsed. sometimes i will read the lyrics if i can find them. i like the sound of things. i do not like silly songs, parodies etc. or lyrics that do not sound melodic. if the singer has a pretty voice and the tune is nice and the lyrics do not grate on my nerves, then i will like it. not planning to apologize for this.