Many interesting points, Cal. I figured it could be a hindrance but like you said, if the lyrics and the music distinguish it and gives it merit on it's on, it could withstand any unfavorable comparisons.
On the same note, I wrote a melody a few years ago and attached it to lyrics I had written in 1989 at the start of the Gulf War in 1989/90 called "Shine". I was pretty proud of the melody and the song as a whole but upon posting it I was instantly accused of ripping off the melody from "Puff the Magic Dragon"....Although I was familiar with the song it wasn't at all influential to me..yet upon re-listening to my song and re-familiarizing myself with the classic, I certainly did hear the resemblance, and since (although the copyright statute might have elapsed) I have since added the original title with my title, just to avoid embarrassment...but it was NEVER my intention to rip-off the song, yet, it appears i did. I've attached the link to the song, "Shine (Puff the Magic Dragon)" in case you'd like to hear the song that caused a minor uproar on another site. Would really like your opinion on "stumbling on" a familiar musical idea... and can you legally call it your own?

http://www.reverbnation.com/open_graph/song/13733067

Thanks Cal for the wonderful insight.
Michael

Write on, Man,
Michael W. Brown, f.k.a. "bluesriff"

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
Mahatma Gandhi