As I understand it, this song is one derivation of a much older song whos origins are lost to history, so the chances are it has been modified. I know it is commonly held that traditional gypsy songs are associated to Ireland but I have been led to belive that the character in the song is a Scottish gypsy called Johnnie Faa. Johnnie was the King of the Scottish gypsies and lived in the Scottish borders in Yetholm near Kelso. This title was granted by King James IV. As is the case with most historical folklore the facts are sometimes confused. Some say he ran off with a lord's daughter but the usual tale is he ran off with Countess Cassilis. Again historical facts do not make this likely but then again never left the facts ruin a good story.