In Bill's email he also added: "I learned this song many years ago from Billy Edd Wheeler (who, I believe, wrote it), and I was unaware that the Kingston Trio had ever recorded it. In Billy Edd's version, the verses are recited, and only the chorus is sung. I have performed it for years, and have found that it is always well-received. Incidentally, in the area from which Billy Edd and I come (The Appalachian Mountains), the word FIRE (line 10) is usually pronounced the same as FAR, and rhymes neatly with JAR. I hope that you enjoy the song."

End of quote. Tony