Interesting question, Gail, and it sent me off to the internet where I found this:
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=%2...cQ_AUoAg&dpr=1
Clearly the phrase "My word! If I catch you bending" had a significance to the Victorians and Edwardians which is lost on us now, though we can guess.
It seems the song, or at any rate the tune, could date to Edward the Confessor's time, although the words handed down have changed.
Best regards,
David