I was looking up Lyrics to the older version of the Riddle song, often called "I have a Young sister (far Across the Sea)" and I happened upon this thread. Does anybody know what the deal is with the two versions? I assume the "I agve my love a Cherry" version that everyone seems to know in America, is in fact, an American variant of the "i Have a Young Sister" version..but is there any scholarship on this?

I grew up with the older version and found the American Riddle SOng to be rather stupid and obvious in comparison. I had always been told that MY version went back to the 12th Century and given some of the language preserved in the song, I'd not be surprised if that's true.

Is there any indication of when the newer meoldy and lyrics overtook the older one? You UK Mudcatters, if somebody asks YOU to sing the RIddle song, do you sing the one I am most familiar with or the other one.. the "I gave my love a cherry" one?