I think the 1866 date might help with that last query. Clifton's songs were often pirated and his songs went through a revival in the 1880s. I don't think there's much contention here.

Ray,
You may be correct when you say Gordon got his version from Frank via Ian, BUT Arthur did have the song in his repertoire under the title 'This Life is a difficult Riddle'. It all goes to back up my statement that the song was being sung by several singers in the west Sheffield area at least during the first half of the twentieth century, and now even more sing it, yourself included I presume.

What needs adding to my original statement is '...and Frank Hinchliffe of west Sheffield'. Of couse both of them were much recorded and written about by Ian Russell.

FWIW Arthur also sang at least 2 other Clifton songs 'Paddle Your Own canoe' and 'Pulling Hard Against the Stream'.