Odd that this venerable song, which almost never varies much in content and thus suggests a pop, not a traditional origin, can't be tracked to its source! And if Randolph and Legman couldn't, b'golly, who can?

It has the manner and style of a Victorian or slightly post-Victorian song. I first heard it earlier than 1957 -- 1955, at a college outing club songfest.

Somebody must have written it! Anyone know of earlier versions? 40s? 30s?

Bob