This thread has been a fascinating read for me. When the Kingston Trio came out with the MTA song, I was aware that it's predecesor was "The Ship That Never Returned, which I had learned as a boy. A version was printed in a small book which I still have, "The Treasure Chest of Homespun Songs," published in 1935 by Treasure Chest Publications, Inc., NY, NY, but with no credit given for the author. That version had only 3 verses and the tune, while the same as the KT's MTA song differs from that in the DT. The lyrics I learned were:

THE SHIP THAT NEVER RETURNED

On a summer's day, while the waves were rippling
With a quiet and gentle breeze
A ship set sail with a cargo laden
For a port beyond the sea.

CHO: Did she ever return? No, she never returned,
    And her fate is still unlearned,
    Though for years and years there were dear ones waiting
    For the ship that never returned.

There were sad farewells, there were friends forsaken
And her fate is still unlearned,
But a last poor man set sail as commander
On the ship that never returned.

And we'll live in peace and joy forever
And enjoy all we have earned,
But they sent him forth with a smile and a blessing
On a ship that never returned.

Although they're not in the version in this book, I also remember verses about the "feeble lad and his aged mother" and also other verses similar to those posted by Dicho. I may have learned them from Carl Sandberg's "American Songbag." (I think The Ship That Never Returned is included in that book, though I don't have a copy of it handy.) I know the song is included in Sandberg's "Flat Rock Ballads" recording, but there are probably variations in the lyrics (I don't have a copy of the recording.) I knew the MTA song was inspired by an actual political campaign in Boston, but didn't know, or had forgotton, the details. Thanks, again Dicho -- and thanks to all who've posted on this thread.

Reiver 2