The dance calls are cetainly traditional and Tim O'Brien probably added the verses. The figure is one of the favorites of the old time dancers in this part of the Ozarks and has been for at least four generations. I've called it many a time, and it is beautiful to watch as well as a joy to dance. Our calls are:

Wave the ocean, wave the sea,
Wave that pretty girl back to me,
Wave the ocean, wave the sand,
Wave that pretty girl by the hand,
Wave the ocean wave the shore,
Wave this time and wave no more,
Odd couple swing
And join the ring