Having learned this song at a young age (say about 6) and having poor hearing, I thought the second verse was "If *Livin'* were a thing that money could buy..." FWIW, nearly 40 years later I *still* think it makes more sense in context than "religion."

I've found that the lines scan very nicely into the melody of Michael Row the Boat Ashore, as do the lines of O Mary Don't You Weep. There seems to be a body of "plug 'n' play" lines that can fit well into a mess of different songs.

just my $0.02...

V