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For a more refined search of songs or tunes use the Advanced search function. To carry out a search on two or more terms at once, e.g. Collector+Roud Number, select each term as above and then click search.
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At least one source traced this song back to the 1730s but most references start with a Scottish version of 1827. It has been found all over the English speaking world, especially Scotland.
For another Gloucestershire version, with a tune, see http://glostrad.com/his-old-grey-head-kept-nodding/.
Notes by Gwilym Davies 2 September 2015