This popular American fiddle tune comes from uncertain origins. Ballad of America says, “Various claims indicate that Joe Clark may have been a moonshiner in the Virginia hills, a veteran of the War of 1812, or a banjo player from Clay County, Kentucky.”

This tune is often played as an instrumental – here’s an intimate live take from Carolina Bluegrass Express:

But it also has lyrics – here’s Matthew Sabatella and the Rambling String Band singing it: