Oh says the cuckoo, loud and stout

I fly the country round about

While other birds my young ones feed

And I must stay to stand in need



Then says the sparrow on her nest

I loved a lass but it was in jest

And ever since that self same thing

I made a vow I ne’er would sing



And next there spoke the little brown thrush

He was sitting in yon holly bush

The way to court I’ve heard them say

Is to court all night and sleep the next day

With me aye de aye de aye diddle dum



In came the robin and thus he said

I love’d once a well-favours maid

Her beauty kindled such a spark

That on my breast I bear the mark



Then said the green finch as she flew

I loved one and proved untrue

And since he can no more be seen

Like a lovesick maid I turn to green



And next there spoke the Willy Wagtail

I was once in love and I did prevail

I was once in love and I did prevail

And ever since I wag my tail

With me aye de aye de aye diddle dum



Oh said the bonnie nightingale

Then must I end my mournful tale

Whilst others sing I sit and mourn

Leaning on my breast against a thorn



Then says the lapwing as she flies

I search the meadows and the skies

But cannot find my love again

So about I fly in deadly pain



And last there spoke the Jennie Wren

Do you know what I’d do if I was a man?

For fear that one would wriggle and go

I would were two strings upon my bow

With me aye de aye de aye diddle dum