Child 274.

A unique conclusion. Usually it's ballocks on a rolling pin, carrot, or candlestick - any of which would certainly be more evident.

Brand's polite version is on BS&BB, Vol. I, 1955.

The Four Sergeants, "Bawdy Barracks Ballads, Vol. II"(ca. 1960) sing another polite version to a combination of "The Son of a Gamboleer" and, for the wife's replies, "Sailing, Sailing."

See various Mudcat threads.