Yep on the rules. Examples of when they've been broken by well know songwriters is almost beside the point--THEY could get by with it "Because" they were famous and they knew which rules to break and when.
The best of all worlds is when the lyric and the music can each ctand on their own
THIS song has a definite story to it. Therefore the story needs to be understandable to the average listener if it's to be put out for public consumption.
A song can be good with good music and poor lyrics or with good lyrics and poor music, but how much better if they're "Both" good.
All that said, it depends on what someone wants to "Do" with their songs.
Just another opinion. smile
Still like your song, just think it can be better as can any song
for that matter.
Carry on
Wy