After 15 years we STILL have mixed opinions on the song. Some see it as a horrible example of touting totally unacceptable behavior... and some see it as mocking unacceptable behavior and painting a picture of what NOT to do. Some would sing it only after a disclaimer.

Some point at Arthur Godfrey and suggest that HE was semi=serious about it, while others note that Patsy Montana sang it... and others that it was even earlier.

Some note that many, many 'folk' songs relate behavior that is much worse, but that 'history' is sorta, kinda different from folks WE might know.
   
Me? I know an Irish song about glorifying ther murder of a member of the *other* religion. THAT one I only sing... rarely... as an example, because I heard it sung seriously almost 60 years ago. I would NEVER add it to a general session of Irish songs.
   ...so..I think this song, where, as someone points out, the girl gets advice about avoiding'Paw' is pretty innocuous by comparison.
Somehow, it all reminds me of debates about 'pornography', where ANY writings or images of intimate behavior are condemned by some and defended by others...