Mid 19th century sea shanty. The 'donkey' referred to is generally thought to be the name given to a type of steam engine not the animal! Several versions (with various lyrics) out there - these are the lyrics I tend to use. ( as per chorus) = Way hey and away we go Donkey riding donkey riding Way hey and away we go Ridin' on a donkey Was you ever in Quebec Launchin' timber on the deck Where ya break yer bleedin' neck Ridin' on a donkey Way hey and away we go Donkey riding donkey riding Way hey and away we go Ridin' on a donkey Was you ever 'round Cape Horn Where the weather's never warm Wished to God you'd never been born Ridin' on a donkey Way hey and away we go Donkey riding donkey riding Way hey and away we go Ridin' on a donkey Was you ever in Miramichi Where ye tie up to a tree An' the girls sit on yer knee Ridin' on a donkey Way hey and away we go Donkey riding donkey riding Way hey and away we go Ridin' on a donkey Was you ever in Fortune Bay See the girls all shout hooray Here comes dad with ten weeks pay Riding on a donkey Way hey and away we go Donkey riding donkey riding Way hey and away we go Ridin' on a donkey Was you ever in Londontown See the King he does come down See the King in his golden crown Riding on a donkey Way hey and away we go Donkey riding donkey riding Way hey and away we go Ridin' on a donkey
https://lyrics.primoaccordo.net/misc-traditional/riding-on-a-donkey.htm