I can't honestly remember ever hearing a burlesque version of the ballad; some wonderful parodies though - "Abe Lincoln Stood at his Stable Door" being among my favourites.
I do agree with Richard's "insipid" Bronson comment though, though when put into the mouth of good singers like Tom Lenihan or Walter Pardon it takes on an authority of its own..
Apropos of nothing, one of the other favourites in this part of the world is 'The Suffolk Miracle" - can't throw a stone..... - again.
I've been digging into the "rose - briar" motif - fascinating reading, certainly as far as roses go.
Funk and Wagnall gives a load of information - it seems to be extremely old and widespread - back to Roman and Greek mythology.
It is surprising if it is true that it only dates back to 18th century; as a folklore symbol it goes much further than that.
Happy to put up or pass on the Funk and Wagnall article if anybody wants it.
By the way, Tom Munnelly listed 50 Child Ballads still being sung in Ireland up to the end of the 90s (we added our 4 verses of of Famous Flower to the list) - might come as a surprise to some people. Happy to pass on this as well.
Jim Carroll