Kalevala-metric oral poetry comprises various genres, from epic and lyric to ritual poetry, dancing songs, and lullabies. These poems were performed in diverse ways and applied to various social situations. The present article highlights the complexity of performance, referentiality, and local genres in Ingria. This complexity makes it crucial to take into account various analytical levels of the poem, from the content and meter to the melodies, refrains, and vocal style.