I still think the song works on its own though, even though as you rightly point out there are parallels.

However, I think Hugh Lupton was a little out in one of his statistical references in the song. Although the ring, the chippy and the girl may have been one in a million, I think the actual chances of the ring coming back were one in 283 412 729 801. We'll let him off though.

I think the song is just incredible, one of today's most brilliant tales of love and life. The saddest thing is that so many people will probably never hear it, such a shame. Then again, I suppose that is true of lots of great music.