Won't You Go My Way is #8289 in the Roud Folksong index, and as well as Sharp and Terry, it lists a 1950 recording made by Peter Kennedy for the BBC of the singing of Bristol shantyman Stanley Slade. I've not heard that one. but it could be the "missing" oral source you're looking for. You can hear a couple of Slade's songs on Last FM.

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Here's the Traditional Ballad Index entry on this song. (Joe Offer)

Won't You Go My Way

DESCRIPTION: Hauling shanty. Refrain: "Won't you/ye/yiz go my way?" Verses describe either consorting with a prostitute and now being glad to be married, or describe courting in general.
AUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: 1914 (Sharp-EFC)
KEYWORDS: shanty sailor whore courting
FOUND IN: West Indies Britain
REFERENCES (2 citations):
Hugill, p. 505, "Won't Ye Go My Way" (1 text, 1 tune) [AbEd, p. 373]
Sharp-EFC, LVI, p. 61 "Won't You Go My Way" (1 text, 1 tune)
Roud #8289
File: Hugi505

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Lyrics Here (click)