G'day stallion,

Interestingly, as a Sydney-sider, I find your preferred text awkward - and missing the elements of regret and resignation in:

" ... Were the best times after all...

and I'm much happier with the published Lawson text: ,

And I can't but think that the times we had
Were the best times after all,
As I turn aside with a lonely glass
And drink to the bar-room wall.

Ah well ... the perils of a "world language ... "!

Regard(les)s,

Bob