I substituted minor for major in the first 9 bars (intro and first phrase) and it seemed to work. Definitely sadder. However, after that the uplifting with the major chords- sounded right. And from then on it seemed to be OK as-is with the major chords. By the second 16 bar verse the minor sound didn't seem to work.
At the start of this tread I indicated how humbling music is when you have to admit your limitations. Seems to be getting dark again...
