In respect of the title line, John Lomax recorded Fields Ward in 1937 in Galax, Virginia, singing 'Long Lonesome Road' which has stanzas expressing similar sentiments to Clarke's opening stanza.

Oh, I wish to the Lord I had never been born,
Or died when I was a baby,
Or died when I was a baby

No, I wouldn't a been a eatin' this old cold corn bread
Soppin' in this salty gravy,
Soppin' in this salty gravy

This was recorded by NLCR on their 'Gone to the Country' album.

--Stewie.