My sentiments are with the group that believes if you're not singing for a recording or a sold-out concert hall, why worry too much ? Suit yourself.
That said, I tend to research puzzling words and verses in songs, and assemble verses and chord structures that make sense to me.
Case in point. I had heard Mother Maybelle Carter's version of "Faded Coat of Blue" years ago, and told myself that one day I'd learn it. When that day came, and I wrote out her verses, I realized I'd always been puzzled by her singing "... he sank faint and hungry among the Spanish brave...". I just didn't associate blue uniforms with the Spanish-American war. With more research I discovered it was a Civil War song, and, when I found the original words, they were "... sank faint and hungry among the FAMISHED brave ..." obviously a mondedreen on her part. I now sing the correct words.