american folk song

I have resisted the American folk song tradition and for years it symbolized White Conservative America to me.  I think I have experienced mainly watered-down versions of the songs, sung badly in coffee shops or street corners.  As I begin to pay closer attention to the lyrics and begin to understand their rich, diverse origins, I am starting to see the juiciness that lies within.  I'm fascinated with Lomax's distinction between the European vs African Style.  He writes, "If the Negro emphasis is on the improviser and his chorus, the white is on the solo song rememberer and his silent audience".  I am so white but I strive to to connect with the "African the dwells inside me" especially when playing music.