1) Do you feel you have to learn stuff note-for-note exactly as per the record? When I was learning guitar (many years ago) it was a matter of pride NOT to play exactly the same as the record, but to put your own interpretation on a piece.
I totally agree with u. The person who wrote the song was trying to express a certain emotion or feeling. As each person reacts differently to situations it is your right, no your duty, to interpret the song to make it tell a story that is relevent to u!
P.S. I have 2 questions myself
1) How do u get those little footnotes, they are sooooo cool
2) How do u do a quote
Tandem Felix