it's an old tune,carried to the new world by the people. another tune springs to mind. THE STREETS OF LAREDO. i've heard may varients of this,including BARD OF ARMAGH but seems earliest lyrics were about a soldier who died of syphilis,in dublin,called THE UNFORTUNATE RAKE. when u hear streets of laredo,only the hangman,only the heartaches,etc.,in 3/4 time and then hear st. james infirmary blues in 4/4,all derived from same song you see thats what it,s all about.good tunes/stories r always remembered. don't forget jimmie rodgers[2]also had a hit with WOMAN FROM LIBERIA.and to further confuse matters,the famous HANK SNOW named his son after J.R.1 happy new year.