I learned this one from Tom Paley around, Oh!!! 1952 or so. I do believe it is a very old song, Malcolm Douglas is right, it is a variation of the Cruel; Sister, or it could be the other way around. It's easilly as old as other "Cruel Sister" songs.

By the way, Does anyone know where Tom Paley is? I haven't seen him in at least 20 years, I'd like to write him or something. If any of you out there in "mudcat Land" do have contact with Tom, just tell him Jody Gibson was asking about him, and give him my "Handle" Thanks