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