Sophocleese, I have indeed read the words to the song; it is a song I know well and I also know the author.

The difference of opinion seems to centre on what 'men' is perceived as meaning to an individual, which is at least in part culturally determined, depending on how you have heard the word used.

I am happy for the word 'men' to be used to represent mankind, the way that I imagine Scowie intended it, but I can also appreciate that it could sound wrong to others with a different background. It would appear from the posts here that this usage is less acceptable in North America.

I apologise if I appeared to be discounting the opinions of others; my earlier statement was of course based on how these words sound to me: that is, beautiful, poetic, and not to be changed.

Johnny Collins is obviously aware of this difference in perception across the Atlantic; I can't somehow imagine him prefacing the song with an apology in this country.
I wonder if he does?

Noreen