The tale-bearing angel is only in American versions, which lack the money and false friend problems.

Wm. A. Owens, in "Texas Folk Songs," says "This song, known in almost every Texas community, is often sung by soprano and alto harmonizing in thirds." He says it no doubt is an old song, but has not been able to trace its history.

It occurs from Texas to Illinois and east to the Carolinas, with collections in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky. Included in Sandburg's "American Songbag," no locality cited.
It seems to be quite similar in all collections, thus must have come from a song book, sheet music, or widespread periodical.

Owens gives a musical score, 4/4.