I choose not to sing hugh of lincoln , generally considerd a folk song..the decision is not based on style but on its lyrics its repertoire,
Paradoxically   consider the shortest story by Harry Chapin. a recently composed song not generally considerd a folk song stylistically when harry performed it, i do not like the way harry chapin perfoms it. but it is a powerfully written song.
when i heard Richard Grainger sing it in a folky style. i realised how good it was, so perhaps style is not more important than repertoire or repertoire is not more important than style, PERHAPS THEY ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT. The shortestStory
I am born today
The Sun burns a promise
In my eye
Mama strikes me
And I draw a breath and cry
Above me a cloud
Slowly tumbles through the sky
I am glad, to be alive
It is my seventh day
I taste the hunger
And I cry
My Brother and sister
Cling to Mama's side
She squeezes her breast
But it has nothing to provide
Someone weeps, I fall asleep
It is twenty days today
Mama does not hold me
Anymore
I open my mouth
But I am to weak to cry
Above me a bird slowly crawls across the sky
Why is there nothing left to do but die