Marie Boette published Gainer's version in 1971 (Sing Hipsy Doodle)just 4 years before he changed the informant's name to W.A. Thomas. Gainer was well aware of this book and contributed several ballads and songs.

Here's what Boette says:

GET UP AND BAR THE DOOR

Dr. Patrick W. Gainer is one of West Virginia's foremost leaders in searching and preserving the music natiue to the State. A West Virginia University professor, his courses in balladry have been most rewarding to extension students throughout the localities where he has taught. Possessing a beautiful tenor voice he has made two records
for Folk Heritage Recording. Dr. Gainer was Chairman of the Centennial Committee on Folklore which published the West Virginia Centennial Book of 100 Songs from which with his permission the above ballad and three others were taken. This ballad was sung for him by Mr. Charlie Montgomery, Elizabeth, Wirt County.

The words of this song remind one of a party game where one person is supposed to remain silent for a certain time regardless of questions or heckling.

Richie