This traditional American folk song is also known as “Birmingham Jail”. The earliest versions of it date from 1924/5 and the lyrics vary as with most folk songs. For instance, instead of “Hang your head low” wh ich Burl Ives sings, many performers sing “Late in the evening”. It has been covered many, many times by artists Patti Page, Bing Crosby, Connie Francis and Slim Whitman.