"There was an old woman who lived in the woods" [Weile Waaile, Weela Weela Walya et al] is a wicked children's Irish song which I sing with actions at practically every performance. German audiences, those that understand English that is, naturally don't often go great bundles on the verse about "stabbing a penknife in the baby's head" but in the interest of Artistic Accuracy I can never be persuaded to leave it out.
The version that I sing was first heard by me on a The Dubliners recording which I then transcribed and performed with the Idle Fellows.
The song may be found in Soodlum's 100 Irish Ballads Volume 1.

Lyrics