Here's the version that has come to me. A friend of mine learned it about 40 years ago from an old, blind singer from Wexford (south east corner of Irealnd). The places named are in that area - The Wren's Nest is a pub on the quay in Wexford town - still there.

BOBBIN' UP AND DOWN LIKE THIS

I went for a booze one day
To The Wren's Nest on the quay
I could hardly walk
I could hardly talk
My whole body did sway
Up comes a civic guard And he sez "now what's amiss?"
Yerra I started noddin'
And I taught he was coddin'
I was bobbin' up and down like this.


Chorus.
I was bobbin' up and like
Bobbin' up and down like this
yerra I started noddin'
Sure I thought he was coddin' I was bobbin up and like this.


He boldly turned me loose
When he heard my fine excuse
I was a fitter who had to see a barber
To get my beard reduced.
The barber lathered me
And I began to whist
Sure the barber couldn't shave me
And he had to run and leave me
I was bobbin' up and down like this.


Chorus:


I'm a whitewasher by trade
But a bad one I'm afraid
I got a job for fifteen bob
Unto a rustic maid
She pointed up and down
Saying "there's a place you missed"
But the brush was new
And I had to swallow too
I was bobbin' up and down like this


I returned home by Rosslare
Where I felt thirsty I declare
I called for a drink
I think it was rum
For it left my pockets bare
I poured it in my glass
And took it in my fist
Then my chin started wobblin'
And I spilt every dropeen
I was bobbin' up and down like this

Chorus:
(5) (Sad verse)
I escorted Mary Jane
'Way out of town by train
I taught my poor heart would break
That I'd ne'er see her again
I lifted up her face
For my poor self to kiss
And sure everything was ready
But I couldn't keep steady
I was bobbin' up and down like this.

Chorus:

Regards