Has anyone ever listened to Hylo Brown's "Tell Me How Long"? It seems pretty clearly related to this song to me, though I will admit that many of the lines are floating verse. Despite that, the rhythm seems very reminiscent to me, especially the chorus and how he pauses for emphasis between "how long" and "have to wait." It could just be that it's a common blues beat and structure, but then again, it's pretty close to my ear.

As sung by Hylo Bronw on Hylo Brown Sings The Blues, Rural Rhythm Records RRHB 200, 1968. (listen)

TELL ME HOW LONG

Well, ashes to ashes and dust to dust
Show me a woman that a man can trust
Tell me how long will I have to wait?
Can I get you now or will I have you to take?

I jumped in the river and I thought I would drown
Seen my red-headed woman and I couldn't go down
Tell me how long will I have to wait?
Can I get you now or will I have you to take?

[instrumental break]

Well, rocks in the mountain and fishies in the sea
A red-headed woman made a fool out of me
Tell me how long will I have to wait?
Can I get you now or will I have you to take?

My red-headed woman, she's six feet tall
Sleeps in the kitchen with her feet in the hall
Tell me how long will I have to wait?
Can I get you now or will I have you to take?