It's interesting. I played the sheet music with the link here--that is, with the original melody. It works on the piano, but outside of that I'll have to say I prefer the Carter Family/ Red Clay Ramblers watered-down melody by a lot. It's sure a lot easier to sing--and throw in harmonies.   I've found the same thing in some other 19th century songs--like Faded Coat of Blue.   On the other hand, what the bluegrassers did to Mother Was A Lady is an abomination.

Anybody else have thoughts on this? Maybe it needs its own thread.