Hi Karen, Harwood's statement that "What is similar is the idea of the funeral request. This is very different from a direct correlation." considerably understates the case. What we definitely have are the following: 'St James' Hospital' appearing in versions of Roud 2 preceding SJI. The setting in a named individual's bar-room, common to cowboy versions (which he concedes are derived from Roud 2) and SJI. A meeting with a loved one who is sick and beyond medical care. Not just a 'funeral request', but close resemblance in the requested mourning party. The most likely explanation IMO is that at some point a new song, which we can call 'Gambler's Blues' or whatever you please, has been put together by someone well-acquainted with the previous song, in either or both its cowboy or 'Unfortunate Lad' forms. I'd say that's more than a 'second cousin' relationship.
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