The problem is solved!! I have the definitive definition.

I asked my kids (in their early 20's) what constituted a folk song. Their reply: "Folk songs are what you sang around the fire during our camping trips of the 70;s and 80's. You know, the one's you learned from the Calgary Board of Education night classes in Folk Guitar"

Thus I am pleased to announce that there only are 5 folk songs. They are:

There but for fortune. The mermaid. When the saint's go marching in. Charlie and the MTA.

AAAND

California Dreamin.

See how simple it is when you go to the right source for the information.

Glad to have helped.

Frank Phillips