The song is a very simple one, what the technical people call a 'catalogue song'. I have adapted my own version as I'm sure others have. As a guess I'd say it's probably the nearest thing we have in English folk song to an example of communal composition, i.e., someone thought of the basic idea and others chipped in with verses. It appeals to me because of its simple structure, adaptablility and an easy tune on the melodeon. My version probably arose from Bob Roberts' singing and the Foreman broadside which I have a copy of somewhere. Tony Hall also is well-known for singing it. It well suits his laid-back style, and I'm just basically lazy.