I think some of the scanning problem arises from slight variants in the tune itself. Sigmund Spaeth in bits of sarcasm states that Ferdinand Durang did the necessary squeezing and fitting when he put keys poem "The Defence of Fort McHenry" to the Anacreon tune and that the early words "fit the music just about as snugly as Mr. Key's". Spaeth goes on to say that "there are many slight variations in the melody,which has always, of necessity, been a flexible affair" So, Joe you just need to practice and add lib a bit. It doesn't come out right the first time, somethimes you get a line right by pure luck and then can't repeat it.

rich r