History of the Song: Although the author and copyright status for Clementine are "unknown" the words and music to the original version of the song are usually attributed to Percy Montross, circa 1880. According to a note in the UK Ballad Newsgroup, Montross based his composition on Down by the River Liv'd a Maiden by H. S. Thompson (1863). Clementine has since become a popular song with countless different verses for children, Scouts, etc.