It occurred to me when I heard this song sung the other night that it would be logical if it had originally been "Copper calling" rather than "cob a coalin". But that's because it didn't make sense to me as a Southerner... But the verses did also seem to me to be very close to some of the souling play songs from the North West.

I found it very sad that I had real difficulty remembering the verse that we used to say as kids around November 5th:

"Please to remember the fifth of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot;
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot."

Sadly, it's being overtaken by Trick or Treat, especially as to go out with a guy is seen as begging, and kids aren't allowed to buy fireworks anyway, nor could they afford to with the small amount that they would likely be able to collect.

Barbara