Hi,

The most unusual version of "Courting Case" is this modern analogue from Douglas Gilbert in "Lost Chords: The Diverting Story of American Popular Songs" published by Doubleday, Doran and Company, Incorporated, 1942. No information was provided about this song which appears in the chapter on "The Hearth — and the Tavern":

"The Girl Who Never Would Wed"

I courted a round-bottomed lass one spring
The birds were mating free,
The sheep and the goats
Were feeling their oats—
But she would have none of me.

When summer came and fields were filled
With scent of new mown hay,
The weather was hot, but she was not,
For still she said me nay,
For still she said me nay.

The summer went and autumn came,
And when the nights were chill,
We sat beside the fire in
Her house behind the hill.
'Twas then I said,
Two in a bed
Could warm and cozy be.
I pinched her rump, but up she jumped—
Says she, young man you're too free,
Says she, young man you're too free.

When winter came said I, why do
You choose to sleep alone;
And in single bed
Lay like one dead
As cold as any stone?

I offered her my house and lands
And all my worldly self
With arms so strong to keep her warm-
Says she, keep your arms to yourself.

For years and years I roamed about
And when I had my fill,
I found this girl a woman grown,
But she refused me still.
So when you are old and gray,
And shattery in the knees,
When the wintry blast wintry blast rolls round your rump,
I hope by Jesus you freeze,
I hope by Jesus you freeze.

* * * *

This modern recreation, clearly based on Courting Cage, may have been penned by the author, Douglas Gilbert. Unfortunately I have no information of its pedigree. Anyone know about this version? The book is online at Internet Archive.

Richie