I saw that "version" of "Mary's Boy Child" that George posted, but I passed it up because it was so bad. The meter and structure just doens't work. What Genie posted seems much closer to what Belafonte sang, but I think this desreves a bit more research. I see George's version was harvested - I'm trying to find out who harvested it and intercept it.
Who Wrote that Song? (Jacobs), which is not always perfectly accurate, says words and music for "Mary's Boy Child" were by Jester Hairston, published in 1956. Recorded by Harry Belafonte. -Joe Offer-