This song has both Irish and American roots and is one of the most popular traditional ballads in the Irish songbook. The melody is traditional Irish and has been used in several other songs, old and new, while the lyrics are set in Louisiana, possibly during post Civil War times. This version was recorded by Michael O'Leary for the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston's 50th anniversary CD 'Carrying on the Tradition, Vol. 2' (2009) and features Janice Fullman on guitar and harmony vocals.

Michael Shane O'Leary