Tell Me Why

So, in Sweet Addies (but, apparently, not all Sweet Addies choruses, according to that cutie patootie Jim Arns), you have to 'pass your tape' to be able to sing a song in concert or competition. I started out like gangbusters and have passed my first two songs, but one or two measures in a few others are giving me some trouble. Passing a tape requires you singing into a personal cassette recorder (yes, they still make those) for the entirety of the unpassed song in your place on the risers while the chorus sings. Got that? One of the new songs is Reba's 'Why Haven't I Heard From You?' - a personal fav and one of my former cabaret songs - but I keep re-writing the words in my head. Unintentionally, at first, and then more like sneaking a cigarette until it becomes obvious I haven't learned it yet.

Well back in April of the year we got this brand new song
I thought 'Just like the others this one won't take long.'
By the middle of May I'd yet to learn the tune
I started picking up the words rehearsal day, right at noon.
Now I could have started sooner, could have learned at least 8 bars
Coulda listened to my learning tape while driving in my car.

So tell me why haven't I passed this tape.
Tell me why haven't I passed this tape?
Section Leader, I have no defensive case
Why haven't I passed this tape?

I'd keep going but I have to go learn my new song.