This was a childrens’ taunt.
I don’t know about the “Canawler, Canawler”, part. I don’t know if this might have been regional; e.g.,, if it was known across more than one or a few Canals; and on more than a few, or on which ones it was known. And I don’t recall where I first saw thiis.
A Hogee, as I understand it, was usually a young boy or girl who drove the horses, or mules, or oxen that pulled the boats or rafts along a canal.
The lyrics I’ve seen went like this:
— Hogee on the towpath, five cents a day, he walks behind a horse’s behind, all he live long day.
— Hogee on the towpath, five cents a day, picking up horse balls, to eat along the way.
I’d invite anyone with additional or other knowledge to jump in and contribute whatever you might.
Lyrics Submitted by Bill gerber