This tune may have originally been collected from Abram Beamish as My Darling in Bed, but Chief Francis O'Neill later amended the title to avoid the suggestive connotations. But it was in vain; this tune is now sometimes called My Darling's a Sheep.
This tune recorded in 1969 by Denis Murphy & Julia Clifford as Lisheen Slide, on an album named Star Above the Garter, which seems to have become confused with the name of the tune. It probably originates from West Kerry in Ireland and is related to Jackson's Frieze Coat.
The title may refer to a type of coat with tails that was worn by early 19th century dancing master, so it may date from around that time. The first printed version is from the mid 19th century. This jig serves as a vehicle for Northumbrian sword dancing, and apparently also a fair amount of snobbery about whether it is too simple to be played in a session.