I wonder why she thought it's more of a war captives song... your translation paints a different picture. But it does certainly make more sense

This still strikes me as odd
"Может быть пора угомониться, но я, грешным делом, не люблю поговорку, что иметь синицу лучше, чем грустить по журавлю"

грешным делом - What does it exactly mean?

For instance, my Russian friend told me " но я, грешным делом, не люблю" is "but I don't love in sinful ways" .. which is completely different from yours!