Just found this Maine version from Susie Carr Young from Brewer, Maine who worked with Fanny Hardy Eckstorm in the 1920's. It's in the Houghton Library among Phillips Barry's papers

Little Sparrow

I wish I was in a ship a-sailing
As far from land as the eye could see
A-sailing over the deepest water
Where the cares of love could not trouble me

I wish I was in Castle Korma
Where the marble stones are as black as ink
And the pretty girls would all adore me
I'll sing no more till I take some drink

I lay my head on a cask of brandy
It's my fancy I do declare
For when I'm drinking, I'm always thinking
How shall I gain that young lady fair


No sparrow... no Peggy....no Carrickfergus....? Looking for curry perhaps (Castle Korma- *grin*)

best- Julia

PS There is a melody but I am suspicious of her transcription skills. She writes it in C, but it sings much better with the b flatted...