I first heard "I'm a getting ready to go" in September 1984 on Wally Whyton's Folk Music radio programme but unfortunately I didn't note the singer's name. A found it very amusing and was quite enamoured at the very first hearing; it has also go a pretty good chorus offering plenty opportunity for wailing. The song seems to be a mock spiritual about a sinner who, on having had a terrible nightmare about the Devil and all his machinations, becomes reformed. The last verse is particularly funny. "Well Lord that awful dream I had, (I'm a-gettin' ready to go!)
It left me feelin' mighty bad, (I'm a-gettin' ready to go!)
So I took my bible and mouthful of cheese an' fell right down on my bended knees.
I've got more religion than a dog's got flees, (I'm a-gettin' ready to go!)"