Josh White included that song, accompanied by Sam Gary, on an album I had back in the late 1950's. As I recall it, the song was in a minor key, perhaps Am, and very simplea. It may only have had three basic chords - Am, F7 and E7, for example. The power was in the vocal delivery and passion. A 12-string would be great with this one, especially if you're doing it as a single.