Humorous songs of marital infidelity have long been popular with singers.  This song can be traced back to the 18th century and is still sung in the area.  The text has proved remarkably stable throughout the years.  A similar tale is told in the song Butter and Cheese and All.  It has been found many times in the USA, once with the unlikely title of Everyday Dirt.

Notes by Gwilym Davies 13 April 2016