As I stated earlier in this thread I sometimes sing this song in public. Since the passing of Bess Hawes I have done it several times as a tribute to her, as recently as last night. After reading recent postings here I wonder if that was correct? As a self professed songwriter, of dubious skill, I appreciate the importance of giving proper credit. In any case , if sung with gusto when an audience is growing restless, it sure draws their attention back to the stage. As far as it being the same air as the Wreck Of The Old (Southern) 97 it is similar but not exact. It is a parody, beyond any doubt in my mind of The Ship That Never Returned by Henry Clay Work. Also beyond doubt in my mind, Whitter used the tune for the 97, but without a chorus, so it is slightly different in that respect. I have no idea where Work got the tune, but so goes the folk tradition.