The thread on 'Banjo Sam' reminded me that this is also reissued on 'Paramount Old Time Tunes' JEMF 103, an anthology compiled by the John Edwards Memorial Foundation [now the John Edwards Memorial Forum at the University of North Carolina]. This LP is probably Harpgirl's source for the reissue. The note to the song in this LP indicates that the redoubtable Archie Green has traced the relationship of the piece to a much longer poem titled 'A Factory Rhyme'. To Green's knowledge, the poem turned up only once - sent in to a column by Francis W. Bradley, Dean of the Graduate School at the Uni of Sth Carolina, in 'The State and Columbia Record' in February 1961. The woman who forwarded the poem had obtained it from her uncle, a North Carolinian, some 60 years previously. Green suggests Watts somehow had access to the poem, shortened it and set it to music.

This nowise negates Wilson's comments about Watts' motivation for recording the piece.

--Stewie.