Babes in the Wood is an old, old song sung throughout the Anglo-Saxon world. It was first published as an anonymous broadside ballad, printed by Thomas Millington in Norwich in 1595 with the title The Norfolk gent his will and Testament and howe he Commytted the keepinge of his Children to his own brother whoe delte most wickedly with them and howe God plagued him for it. For more, please refer to the following links:
Babes in the Wood - Article by Wikipedia
The Babes in the Wood - Illustrator: Randolph Caldecott
The Tyneside Maritime Chorus sing a version very close to that recorded by the The Copper Family having three verses and a chorus which they perform as a song suitable for the Christmas season.
This song may be found in the Tyneside Maritime Chorus songbook

Lyrics