This poem by Irish writer Thomas Moore (1779-1852) was adapted to melody and well-known at the end of the 19th century (Smith, The Music of the Waters, 1888). The rhythm is suggestive of the motion of dipping oars. After a visit to Canada in 1804, Moore wrote the words to a tune sang to him by boatsmen travelling from Kingston to Montreal.
One melody used, whether matching Moore's inspiration or not, was the old French folk song, "Dans mon chemin j'ai rencontré" according to Canadian folklorist Edith Fowke.
Utawas was given as the name of a river dividing upper and lower Canada.