TWOTEF is sort of a more evolved, mature, compelling version of the formula GL established with Ballad of Yarmouth Castle. I don't think Yarmouth Castle would have been as popular, though I like it very much and perform it whenever I can. Both were based on actual shipwrecks, although in the case of YC, he anthropomorphized the ship ("'Oh Lord,' she groans, 'I'm burnin,'"; "She's cryin' like a child", etc.). In the Wreck, it was the lake, or perhaps the Great Lakes' legendary November disasters, that took on a personality. It worked better, I think, and listeners responded.
Dan
Playin' up in Michigan
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