Jim Watson of Red Clay Ramblers and Robin & Linda Williams' Fine Group fame issued a CD called "Willie's Redemption" (Barker Records 1107) which says on the back:

Traditional music is littered with songs describibg the exploits of Willie, most of them bad.He's a confused, lazy,unfaithful, ragged, psychotic travelling man. But in the end he turns over a new leaf and finds redemption.


Not always true, as witnessed by such examples of what a friend of mine calls "Idiot Bastard Son Ballads" of the "Banks of the Ohio" ilk. Or Willie Moore who was a king in his ballad. (Just like "Been All Around This World" features a rare girl called Lulu who's not totally disreputable or in a song that is, but that deserves its own thread)......

I'd have to play it again to find out how many of the old-timey songs actually specifically refer to either Willie or redemption, but there's a generic charactor description of the American Willie for you.