I also learned this song in Girl Guides in the late 80's/early 90's, and our   
   leader told us it was written by a little girl who laid bedridden in hospital   
   in Japan.  She watched the barges from the window, wishing she could sail away   
   from her illness and    
   into some grand adventure.  We were also told she died before finishing the   
   final verse.  Our company's tradition was to hum a verse at the end in her   
   memory.  I do not know where our leader got this story, and have no idea   
   whether it is true or just a    
   beautiful piece of folklore... but when I sing it, I still hum a verse and   
   think of a sick little girl and am happy she left such a wonderful piece of   
   herself behind for all of us. ^_^   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)