I hope this is ok - I am re-posting this under a different subject head with the hopes of getting more folks to read it. Here goes:

I'm trying to find some information (title, origins, etc) on this novelty song which appeared in the repertoire of a traditional singer from the northern PA (Potter Co.)/NY State southern tier lumber camps. It was learned before 1920, and here's how it was sung:

Oh, do not be offended please, because I start to sing
For if I did not come out here, this curtain down they'd bring
The man who ought to sing this song, he has taken very sick
As I was standing idle, well, they grabbed me very quick

And they wanted me to take his place, and do the best I could
They said 'go out and sing his song', I told them that I would
They're standing there for to watch me now, my actions for to see
They said 'you cant get more than killed', how pleasant that would be

The character in the song goes on to enter into a dog fight (verse #2) and become a corpse (verse #3), and each chorus starts with "They wanted me to take his place and do the best I could" and ends with "how pleasant that would be".

Any help would be most appreciated...thanks!