I'm pretty sure there's a trad English song that's the basis for both "Chevrolet" and the "Mama Can I Lay It On You?" / "Baby Can I Follow You Down" / "Let Your Linens Hang Low" group of songs. I just can't remember the name of the song or find a version of it. It come from some collection of songs for children.

It ran something like this:

I'll buy you a diamond ring, x 2
If you will marry me sweet (? name ?)
If you will marry me.

I don't want your diamond ring, x 2
And I will not marry you (? name ?)
I will not marry you.

It more or less parallels Chevrolet, but with less horsepower.

It would be interesting to track this song to its roots because of the number of variants. Unfortunately, the song I'm thinking of may have been an old sounding modern song. Does anyone know the name and source?

-- Etan