This is the note to West Clare traditional singer Martin Howley's version on the CD 'Around The Hills of Clare
'Dating back to at least the beginning of the 18th century, though claimed to be much older, this is said to be based on an incident which occurred in England during the reign of Elizabeth I.
The reference in verse six of the farmer 'waiting on the squire and giving him his bride' refers to a marriage custom once popular in England where the bridegroom enters the church on the arm of a bridesmaid and the bride follows accompanied by the bridegroom's man, whose duty it is to give her away.

Other recordings:
Frank Hinchliffe; Up In The North And Down In The South;        Musical Traditions MT CD 311 - 2