Thanks from me too Dave. I have an idea that I first found it in one of Vance Randolph's collections, but I don't have his books at hand. I always sing it as a bit tongue-in-cheek, but I try not to actually make fun of the sentiments. I've always believed that it was originally meant to be sincere. It's always received as quaint and old-fashioned by audiences here in Australia. They are so busy concentrating on trying to sing along on the chorus anyway to take much notice of the words. My American husband knew it from childhood.