And I have popularized this song a number of places on the west coast where I have lived, because I love it, and I learned it from Charlie when we both were students at Michigan State University. Probably 1967 or so. He was fresh out of the Peace Corps, playing the banjo he "borrowed" from his brother, and cooking us Ethiopian stews so hot we had to spray 'em with the fire extinguisher before we could get close to 'em.

I was pleased to click on the tune from his mother's songbook, transcribed by Jeri, and discover it hadn't got too far from what I sing these days. I've apparently modified one of the verse lines, but most is the same. Yay. I was afraid it had migrated more than that over time and distance. Thank you, Charlie (Charley).

Blessings,
Barbara