Interestingly enough, the tune of the chantey - especially the first line - bears an audible resemblance to that of the minstrel song "Alabama Joe."

The two are not identical, but I'd say they were related.

Hear 30 seconds of "Alabama Joe":

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014DM1IQ/ref=dm_rwp_pur_lnd_albm_pm

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Is this is, Lighter? -Joe Offer-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHkkVY87ars