Let's throw another way of marking Barbry Allan in 4/4 meter. Y'all shouldn't get me thinking about such things. I mean, shucks, it's 5 a.m. and I've already tried to analyze my playing/singing of the old song.
Twas in the mer ry month of May
2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1
When green buds they were swel ling
2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1
Sweet William on his deathbed lay
2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1
For the love of Bar bry Al len
2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1
I've taken Lisa's (Lisa G) 3 beat pickup as correct, and whether it is "correct" or not, it seems to be the way I do it, too. You have to count this kind of fast probably around 120. I'm guessing on that using the second hand on the clock instead of a metronome, but you get the idea. It gives you a 12 bar tune, as well. I may record this, too, since about 2 years ago I kinda told Jessica Comeau I would.
Looking dignified (or is it indignant) is definitely important. Oh, there's also what I tell workshop students to do if'n they make a mistake playing a tune. If anyone asks say, "It seems to be a regional variation." Being from Oklahoma then living (and playing) in Maryland for quite a few years and now living in West Virginia, it seems reasonable.
updated by @rob-n-lackey: 05/07/16 05:29:59AM