A year ago, Joe asked 'Anybody here perform this song?
I've had difficulty making it "work" for myself.'

It's a song worth saving, but the tune seems to be lost. If I wanted to perform it, I believe the first thing I would do is tidy up the rhythm. Then I would compose a spunky tune for it.

I would change this:

Foolish Questions, you should answer when you can
No, the candy's for you daddy and mama and John the hired hand
I just wanted you to see it, now I'm gonna take it away
Wasn't that a Foolish Question, you'll hear 'em nearly every day

to:

Foolish Questions, you answer when you can
'The candy's for your ma and pa and John the hired hand.
I wanted you to see it; now I'm taking it away.'
That's a foolish question; you hear 'em ev'ry day.'