'The Silver Burdett Music in Our Country songbook lists the estate of American folklorist Stella Marek Cushing as the source of this song.'


I suppose an American folklorist might have a legit copyright to the translation, which requires some effort. As somebody sang in another context:

We think this song has lasted
almost long enough.
The subject is most int'resting,
but rhymes are mighty rough!

I do wonder if the original verses were on the topic of getting up early and going out to swink in somebody else's field.