Hi Martin,

The closer you can get your lyrics to match the melody from verse to verse the better - that is good writing. A syllable or two added is fine when it doesn’t significantly change the melody. Lyrics that are very different from verse to verse is sloppy lazy writing.

Great writers rewrite - that is the mantra of songwriting. Before accepting the line that doesn’t fit and changing the melody - try rewriting it a few times.

A little tip - if you’re having a real problem matching or getting within a syllable or two of a line - try rewriting the original line.

Being aware of what you’ve seen with other great songs’ sheet music is quite astute. I’m very impressed you brought this up.