Isn't it just possible that Willie liked the song/attitude or whatever and sings it for that reason?

When I sing:
I grabbed her by her golden curls
And dragged her round and round
I threw her into the river
That runs through Knoxville town
Go down, go down, you Knoxville girl
With the dark and roving eye
Go down, go down, you Knoxville girl
You can never be my bride,

I don't really mean it. :^/