Well, Jean, your Mudcatters put me on the right trail, and I have really learned a lot! I found out about the Sussex drinking custom, and read an account of it from the 1800s . . . and saw notation of the tune that they sang. It is not the same one we know, and it's in 3/4 time.

The tune we know hasn't turned up in print prior to 1920, at least not yet. But I think it must be out there somewhere! One of the old notations from England has a sort of Dutch spelling (I think) of some of the words. And the print version i found is from a woman in Michigan, and I read something today about parts of Michigan having a large Dutch population. . . hmm. . . maybe the melody comes from yet a different song.

One thing we know it's not: a sea shanty! :) Wish i had a dollar for every teacher who taught kids that it was about sailors.

It's great fun to hear from all of you. Thanks again,

Susan