I used to sing this song regularly at folk clubs and occassionaly at Morris Ales. I loved the vibrancy and concept of it.... 'twas told once that it was written about a guy who eventually 'defected to the East ' during the Cold War.... we were never told about them !... who was he( if that story is true )?
The thing is the song always 'bombed'for me... any morris men in the audience always seemed to think I was taking the mick and I never had success with it but it still lives in the pillage bag.... I was also once berated by a divorcee who blamed the morris for her situation and the song was not a welcome addition to her evening out... but that's showbusiness !