Anybody out there familiar with ANY version of the following song? Can anybody tell me any of its history? Although passed on through my family as "Mister moon-a-man," I've also heard (somewhere) the first line sung as "Mister Moon, Moon, Honey silvery moon." My guess is that, despite the mention of 'Johnny' (Reb?) with the Gatling gun, it is of the Span Am War or WWI era. Melodically and structurally it reminds me of songs from this century rather than earlier; but perhaps someone has a different take. I only know one verse.

Oh Mister Moon-a-man-a, moon-a-man-a, moon-a-man-a, moon-a-man-a,
Honey silv'ry moon,
Why don't you please shine down on me?
Oh Mister Moon-a-man-a, moon-a-man-a, moon-a-man-a, moon-a-man-a,
Honey silv'ry moon,
Why don't you come from behind that tree?
Your life's in danger, you'd better run,
Here comes Johnny with his Gatling gun;
Oh Mister Moon-a-man-a, moon-a-man-a, honey silv'ry moon,
Why don't you please shine down on me?

The repetitive "moon-a-man-a" is sung in such a way as to rather mimic the type of banjo strumming that accompanies Dixieland jazz. I know it's hard to impart the feel of the song in this format, but, well, anybody got any ideas?

Ever so much thanks!
Miz Fitzpatrick