Down in the African wilderness
The songbirds like to sing
But just around about Christmastime
Their songs have an extra ring

That's the sound of the cuckoos
Their calls seem to inspire
Although they have been away
They're back to join the choir

Cuckoos come home for Christmas
There are 12 in all
That mark 12 days of Christmas
Each with a special call

They sing of goodwill, hope and love
And perfect peace on earth
And the miracle at Bethlehem
Of our Saviour's birth

When the cold winds blow, the cuckoos go
To a warmer land
But they come back at Christmastime
To join that happy band

The night when Jesus Christ was born
In the east there rose a star
And three wise men they followed it
But they came from afar

For 12 long days they travelled
To worship and adore
Gold and myrrh and frankincense were the gifts those wise men bore

Cuckoos come home for Christmas
There are 12 in all
That mark 12 days of Christmas
Each with a special call

Cuckoos come home for Christmas
There are 12 in all
That mark 12 days of Christmas
Each with a special call