I am not going to mention names here but I too have heard a couple of well-known Scottish songwriters complain bitterly about their songs being "bastardized".

I tend to take the view that once a song has been performed by the composer then it is fair game and up for grabs. However I do think that it is important to give the composer the respect of learning the words as originally written, and the tune as well. Then if you feel it necessary, you can make alterations which you feel improve the song (if absolutely necessary.)

IMHO Songwriters should take it as a huge compliment if people actually want to sing their songs, and shouldn't bitch unduly about minor alterations. Especially if they are getting paid royalties. Sheesh, what's more important, feeding your ego or feeding your family?

After all, as one of the earliest songwriters said, "many a song is born to blush unseen, and waste its sweetness on the desert air."

Well, he didn't say that exactly but that's the folk process for you ....

Murray