I first heard, learnt & loved this over 25 yrs ago, got it from an older fellow (from the Boston area) of great voice & even greater wealth of song & lore, Rob Joel (RIP). He told me it started out as a work song used by rivermen but I don't know where he got that info from. I've yet to run across it as a work song over but that doesn't mean sh+&%$@t. I'm fondest of the way Skip Gorman sings. My kids always loved this as a lullabye & when I'd sing it they'd hold my paw as they drifted off. Barry