you Are right,people are free to sing what they want,and frequently do ,and frequently turn songs into nonsense via mondegreens[not the case here]
I had never come off across any other version,despite being involved in folk music for 40 years.,so was making enquiries
[John B] 33 YEARS of these have been on a professional basis. so as you can imagine I have heard a lot of songs,and played clubs from Bodmin up to Inverness,so was surprised to hear this variation for the first time.
mind you ,I think it is inferior to all the versions[only a subjective opinion ] I have heard of the White Cockade ,undoubtedly Show of Hands version would be very accomplished,but I havent heard them perform it,so cant comment .
[I would think that Malcolm hardly threw the first stone, dick]quote John.
I didnt throw any stones,I asked a question [which Phil answered] .I agree I shouldnt have phrased it like that,I have explained why .