Some interesting interpretations here.
Not making any judgement about the Joan Baez recording.
What we have always wondered is -- Does anyone have any information about this song that comes from a source other than the Joan Baez recording and songbook?
Where did she find it? Was it sung the way she sings it? Is there an earlier version on record anywhere? Is it mentioned in a collection from before the Joan Baez recording?
Cheers, Joy