The tune is a variant of the ubiquitous 'Bow Wow Wow' of the 18th century. Also used for the trad song 'Shooting Goshen's Cocks up.'

Hugill was incorrect when he claimed it was based on a sea song 'Barney Buntline'. Both are based on a comic song which compared politicians to different breeds of dogs, hence the chorus 'Bow Wow Wow. In the early 19th century numerous comic songs were written to the tune. See Universal Songster for one source.