I think you will find that fiddlers, all over, know the tune. Is your friend someone who doesn't play in those circles?

BTW, there are words to the tune. Two of them are "official", in that they are recognized by the composer of the music. One of them was written and sung by Cleo Laine.

Official Lyrics for Ashokan's Farewell
http://jayandmolly.com/ashokanlyrics.html