Poppa Gator,

You are welcome to use that third verse as you wish.

Yes, the diction looks much more formal in print than it comes across in song. Please listen again to the video (see link above) to hear how the lyrics really do fit the music.

I completely agree with your "different strokes" ("strikes"?) philosophy. Any song that I sing and any that I have recorded is my own interpretation. If all I were to do is replicate someone else's version note for note and word for word, then why bother?

I'm also a big believer in the "just sing whichever comes out of my mouth" approach. Of course, it doesn't always work well when I'm singing with others, and I've driven more than one singing partner bonkers. But hey, that's who I am!

--- Steve