A verrrry old and venerable ballad for which no definite historical basis can be found. It has survived hundreds of years of re-interpretion. This is mine. In trying to discover its roots, the only solid fact that can be tied to it is a burial cairn on the island of Papa Stronsay, one of the Orcadian group, lying over against Norway that has always been known from time immemorial as the burial site of "Sir Patrick Spens". Interestingly,  while the name "Patrick Spens" is Scottish, the people of the island are descended from the Norse and never spoke Gaelic or English. In fact, they knew nothing of the ballad when scolars went there and interviewed them.

There are a gazillion verions of the song. I based this version on a 1950's field recording made in a Scottish pub. If you are a "folk music purist", my apologies. I do get it. There will always be a place for your point of view. But, I like to play it this way.