Well, Jeri, according to the cd liner notes: This is one of (Les Barker's) more serious offerings reflecting on the plight of the war-widow...Martin Carthy gave it a tune that is perfectly matched to the feel of the words. We heard it on one of Les' cds and Les provided the song with two extra verses for us.
BTW, I played the cd for a local concert manager who would love to have Cockersdale perform in Nelson, NH next year if they are really coming!