Actually we do know which. We have solid documentary evidence.

William and Dinah, we know the author.
Villikins and Dinah (burlesque) We know the author.

'And vice versa of course'. Absolutely, Jim. The song Tim mentions is a perfect example. Once it had become a serious song again it was again parodied as 'Giles Scroggins'

'Lord Lovel' is another example. In Walpole's day it was seen as a burlesque of something earlier, then it became a serious ballad again, then a burlesque, and by Child's time a serious ballad again.

Can we now return to the point of the thread please?