Gerald Hoffnun first performed this at the Oxford union long before it became a song and the origin dates back to the Music Hall days when it was performed as a humerous letter. The most common title is The Sick Note, Also Why Paddy's Not Tt Work Today. Various other titles including The Bricklayers Song, The Barrel Song. Pat Cooksey has never claimed to have written it, in fact is quoted as being "fed up denying it. But while involved with a Folk Club in Coventry in the late 60's he set it to music and recorded it. And thanks to him ths very funny somg reached folk audiences. I always think its best done Acapella. Sean Cannon of The Dubliners for me does the best version

Desi C
The Circle Folk Club
open mic every Wed
WV14 9JH