Well, this was an absolute treat to read!

I learned this song as a Girl Scout in the Columbia River GSC in the 1980s. I always think of it when I see barges on the Columbia. I'm planning a Brownie Encampment and wanted to have this song on hand for campfire and wanted to check that I remember the lyrics correctly and find the origin. This song is not listed in the Girl Scout Pocket Songbook that I have.

I think I will just share the song and not the dubious origin stories. I cannot remember whether we heard about the sick girl or hummed one of the verses or not when I was a girl.