I think that historical lyrics are different from hysterical lyrics.
I too have a few juicy rolls, but I can say that they are the exception
rather than the rule.  In every generation, there's going to be all
manner of people, some of which patronize the baser elements of that
society.

We are merely talking market demand in any case, and the risque was an
element that cannot be denied.  The percentage of the risque to the
generally accepted fare is also an important factor if we are to learn
something.  Market share is percentage.

I also think that freedom of expression in a strong moral society is
much more allowable, while permitting the same freedoms in a weak,
degenerate society is not!  Because in a weak, amoral bunch of yahoos,
they will go to the extreme, without the faintest understanding of
where the limits are.  So the very fact that what today is considered
racial slurs (for example) was then considered ethnic slang.

Our modern moral outrage therefore could have a lot to do with guilt
transference and personal consciences which are not pristine, more than
it actually pretends to _perfect_ everybody else and protect their own
righteous baby-tender ears.  Guilt is the mother of hypocrisy.  If you
can lay a guilt trip on society, then they deserve it!  And they will
always overreact with posturing which they hope others perceive as
moral outrage and innocence.

Back in the days of these old rolls, both black and white alike
referred to the blacks as darkies, Rastus, niggers, etc.  Today, that
is terrible and we wouldn't do it, simply because it is offensive and
derogatory to our good neighbors.  But to call our forefathers
shameful sinners is highly judgmental and offensive to ME!  That was
_then_.  This is _now_.  _Then,_ you might have spoken that way
yourself.  Grandpa used to tell me, "Don't tell me what you're going to
do.  Tell me what you did!"  (Yep; even that came from the past.)

We have a wealth of historical perspective in all kinds of rolls if
we will be honest enough to rein-in the now politically correct (but
shameful) judgmental contemporary attitudes, and look at these rolls as
a treasure trove; a bit more scientifically, and with a genuine desire
to learn (and not about bigotry).  Let's not be offended silly, or
impressing ourselves with our purity, and let's stop concentrating on
the offbeat fringe rolls (which in their day were boycotted by moral
codes and not found in most major outlets, anyway), and try to find a
balance with honesty.

If we want to learn, then we switch to student mode.  Right?   We
have so much more to gain from it that way.  I appeal to a spirit
of wholesome balance and depth for the benefit of the historical
perspective, as opposed to the (ultimately dishonest) way so many
"scientists" today delve into social perspectives.

Craig Brougher