People I'm pretty new to the Mudcat, so I think I'm still caught up in the novelty of having people all over the world discussing something I love (Irish ballads etc.) but I would definitely say that reading the lyrics while listening to the song certainly clarifies a lot for me and therefore makes it easier to learn.

I usually just sit down the back of the bus on my way to work and listen to Mr Luke Kelly shouting in my ears the way only he could.(sometimes with the words in tow)

What works for me is just listen to the songs (get the tune going in your head) try and sing along to the song even if the words are wrong, after listening to the song a couple of times you will notice you have most of the words (when you come to read them the rest will automatically fall into place)

Excellent Thread

Gearoid