Traditional Rathlin Island words of this song can be found in several places:
1. Róis Ní Ogáin, Irisleabhar na Gaedhilge VI p 140 (1895), one verse only
2. Aoidhmín Mac Gréagóir, An Craobh Ruadh (Belfast, 1913) p 86
3. Fear an Oileáin, An Claidheamh Soluis IX 29 p 6 (5/10/1907)
4. Seosamh Laoide, An Cúigeadh Leabhar (1914), pp 186-8
5. Nils Holmer, Cnuasach Bhéaloideas Éireann ms 657 (1938) p 383, with tune
6. Mary Campbell, Sea Wrack (1951), pp 89,128, 2 vv only, with tune
The song is supposed to have been taken to Donegal by Rathlin stonemason and piper Neil McCurdy (died 1915), who worked on the Arranmore lighthouse.