Q - the lyrics to the song are quite similar to what Alison has listed above, although there are an additional one or two verses on
the recording I have.

My recording is on an album titled, "The Story That The Crow Told Me (Early American Rural Children's Songs)." The notes say that the recordings are "from the 1920's and 30's."

The song on this disc is sung by the Utica Institute Jubilee Singers.
It sounds like this is simply an old negro spiritual and I may have to let it go at that. Thanks everybody. Cheers.