Most people these days will associate this song with rollicking Irish versions, based on the recording by the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. However, the song has been well known in British and transatlantic tradition. William Brennan did exist and was a notorious Irish criminal who died in the early 19th century. In this song he is romanticised as a hero. Broadside versions date from the first half of the 19th century.

Notes by Gwilym Davies 25 March 2015