Ah, but you were looking for stories. I always thought the one about Andy Irvine looking up the tune for Fair Flower Of Northumberland in Bronson and the page blowing over so that he in fact copied out Fause Foodrage was a bit of a tall story. Why didn't he just say the tune fitted well (which it does and it's why almost everyone has done it that way for the past 35 years)?

If you are not struck on a tune, or if it doesn't suit your vocal range, just find (or write) another. I wonder why no-one does that for Star Spangled Banner which is in no-one's vocal range.