See the DT entry: DAVY LOWSTON

Don't forget that names often have common alternative spellings!

The song and its historical background are discussed in detail by Frank Fyfe in Precolonial Song - David Lowston (English Dance and Song vol.55 no.3 pp.2-5 Autumn 1993 (EFDSS London), reprinted from Maorilander, the journal of the New Zealand Folklore Society, Spring 1970). The eponymous narrator's real name was David Lowrieston.