The information I have on "There Comes Alibama" is that the song is based on a folktune sung by the native people from the Malay Peninsula who were brought to South Africa in the 17th century to work as slaves. Josef based his song on a tune that they would sing. I don't believe it has anything to do with the the Confederate boat. I am basing this on information from liner notes to one of Josef's early albums - pre-Miranda.

Ron