In fact, the song was a folk song, usually known as "In the Pines," which
dates back at least to the 1870's. Its appearance in the repertory of a
Seattle grunge singer is only the latest chapter in its complex history. (An
album of Nirvana's MTV concert, "Unplugged in New York," was recently
released on the DGC label.) Those who have recorded the song include the folk
legends Leadbelly, Joan Baez and Pete Seeger, the country pioneers Bill
Monroe and Chet Atkins, the rockers Sir Douglas Quintet and Duane Eddy, the
pop vocalist Connie Francis and the jazz saxophonist Clifford Jordan.