AKS - Thanks for starting what I hope will be a productive thread. In addition to the Dubliners, the Scottish group "The Corries" recorded this song, but with an additional verse. I do it often, and always get a good response from the audience. I have no idea who wrote it, but believe it is so well received because most anyone who has ever earned a paycheck by the sweat of their brow can identify with it. The melody used is basically that of "In The Garden Where The Praties Grow", though I have heard it done to other tunes as well.