Nothing can be traced regarding the origins of this song.  The first rather non-PC verse seems to come from the black and white minstrel tradition, whilst the second may be from a completely different song.  Be that as it may, Harry was obviously taken with the reference to “tap dancing” and proceeded to do a step dance after each verse.  The Brazil family were renowned step dancers.  If only there had been a video camera there at the time!

Notes by Gwilym Davies 10 September 2015