Is there any way to tell how it was sung?
I have learned a lot in my very long life but I still do not understand music or its history. I may do a deep dive later to learn the history of notes etc.
Early in the evenin’, just about supper time
Over by the courthouse, they’re starting to unwind
Four kids on the corner trying to bring you up
Willy picks a tune out and he blows it on the lyre
The oldest known musical notation isn't all that old. Probably was passed down orally, or if recorded at all, written on non-durable materials.