Sorry if I've quoted you in a way that distorts what you were saying, that wasn't the idea. My editing just consisted in taking the first section of the sentence, with the full text being there in your post immediately above what I wrote.

I had no intention of dismissing what I understood to be your point. Finding out what MacColl actually sang is important, and so is finding out what the text he drew it from actually said, if there is such a text.

However, if that were to be impossible, and if all we had was what MacColl has given us (either the recording or the transcription as well), I can't see how would mean that this version of the song should not be sung, or that it is not important for any singer to have in mind a meaning that makes sense. And I don't in anyway imply that you believe that.

Songs often have a tendency to change their meaning, as singers muddle the words and misunderstand the meaning because of that, and also because of changes in the way language is used.