Greg, I remember having the same questions for my father when he was learning some of these broken token songs when I was a kid. I suspect a strong component of "do as I say, not as I do" when it comes to the fellow being faithful also, don't you? Wishful thinking on his part that she'll wait even though he's out working and adventuring. There was an antidote to be had, of course. I always rooted for the wife in the Wraggle Taggle Gypsy and Black Jack Davey songs.

SRS