This song has been around for a long time and printed versions go back to early in the 19th century.  As usual with songs with no actual plot, it attracts various ‘floating’ verses and multiple variants.  It has proved particularly popular in the USA with many versions being collected.  A 1928 recording by the Carter Family pushed the song into prominence and the song is now part of bluegrass standard reportoire.

The Roud index only lists a handful of English versions, but I suspect that the song is better known than collectors report.  I have come across several source singers who have known it.

Notes by Gwilym Davies 3 April 2016