The Twelve Days of Christmas
Bernstein-NY Phil-Mormon Tabernacle Lyrics
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A partridge in a pear tree
On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Six geese a laying, five gold rings, four calling birds
Three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five gold rings
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
Five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Nine drummers drumming
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Ten pipers piping
Nine drummers drumming, ten pipers piping
Drumming, piping, drumming, piping
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
Five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Eleven ladies dancing, ten pipers piping, nine drummers drumming
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
Five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Twelve Lords a leaping, eleven ladies dancing, ten pipers piping
Nine, drummers drumming, eight maids a milking
Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
And five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree, and a partridge in a pear tree
"The Twelve Days of Christmas" is a traditional Christmas carol that tells the story of gift-giving over a twelve-day period. The song begins with the singer receiving a partridge in a pear tree as a gift from their true love on the first day of Christmas. Each subsequent day adds another gift, building upon the previous ones.
On the second day of Christmas, the gift is two turtle doves, in addition to the partridge and pear tree from the first day. On the third day, three French hens are added to the gifts already received. This pattern continues as the days progress, with each verse repeating the previous gifts.
By the fifth day, the singer has received five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree. On the sixth day, six geese are added to the gifts, and this pattern continues.
As the song progresses, the gifts become more elaborate. On the eighth day, there are eight maids a-milking in addition to the previous gifts. On the ninth day, nine drummers start drumming, and on the tenth day, ten pipers begin piping. These musicians continue to play throughout the rest of the song, creating a lively atmosphere.
The eleventh and twelfth days bring even more joy and excitement. Eleven ladies start dancing while the pipers continue to play, and twelve lords join in on the twelfth day. The song culminates with a grand finale, with the inclusion of all the gifts received over the twelve days - twelve lords a-leaping, eleven ladies dancing, ten pipers piping, nine drummers drumming, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and, of course, a partridge in a pear tree.
Overall, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is a whimsical and joyful song that celebrates the spirit of gift-giving and the joyous atmosphere of the Christmas season. Each verse builds upon the previous one, adding to the excitement and festivity of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me
The start of a special time when my beloved sent me a gift
A partridge in a pear tree
A bird sitting on a tree branch with its sweet and delicious fruit
On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Continuing the celebration with another special gift from my beloved
Two turtle doves
Two gentle birds symbolizing love, peace, and devotion
And a partridge in a pear tree
Together with the first gift, reminding me of the joy and abundance of the season
On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me
The celebration continues with yet another thoughtful present from my beloved
Three French hens, two turtle doves
Three hens from France joining the previous gifts, representing fertility, abundance, and devotion
And a partridge in a pear tree
Adding to the previous gifts, a reminder of the blessings and happiness brought by love
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
The flow of love and generosity continues as my beloved surprises me once again
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
Four melodious birds, three loyal hens, and two peaceful doves join the celebration
And a partridge in a pear tree
Completing the ensemble of gifts, symbolizing the abundance of nature and love
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
My beloved's affectionate gestures continue on the fifth day of this joyous time
Five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
Adding five precious gold rings to the previous gifts, along with the melodious birds, loyal hens, and peaceful doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
Enhancing the collection of gifts with the reminder of the natural beauty and harmony
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
The delightful surprises from my beloved continue as we reach the sixth day of this festive period
Six geese a laying, five gold rings, four calling birds
Six geese devotedly laying, complementing the golden rings and melodious birds previously given
Three French hens, two turtle doves
Also including the loyal hens from France and peaceful doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
Completing the assortment of gifts with the symbol of prosperity and love
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me
As the days progress, my beloved's expressions of love and thoughtfulness continue to astonish me
Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five gold rings
The graceful swimming swans join the devoted geese and the precious rings
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
Accompanied by the melodious birds, loyal hens, and peaceful doves that have become familiar
And a partridge in a pear tree
Adding to the beauty and bounty with the continuation of the symbolic partridge and pear tree
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
The eighth day marks another surprise from my adoring beloved
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
Eight industrious maids, gracefully swimming swans, and devoted laying geese contribute to the festivities
Five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
The treasured rings, melodious birds, loyal hens, and peaceful doves still bring joy
And a partridge in a pear tree
The partridge and pear tree remain as a reminder of the abundance and love that surround me
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
As the ninth day arrives, my beloved's affectionate gestures persist
Nine drummers drumming
Nine skilled drummers fill the air with rhythmic beats, adding to the joyous atmosphere
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Continuing the pattern, my beloved blesses me with another surprise on the tenth day
Ten pipers piping
Ten talented pipers fill the surroundings with beautiful melodies and enchanting tunes
Nine drummers drumming, ten pipers piping
The harmonious combination of the drummers' beats and pipers' melodies creates a captivating symphony
Drumming, piping, drumming, piping
The repetition emphasizes the lively rhythm and the delightful sound that fills the air
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
Joined by the hardworking maids, graceful swimming swans, and devoted laying geese
Five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
The cherished rings, melodious birds, loyal hens, and peaceful doves continue to bless me
And a partridge in a pear tree
The partridge and pear tree persist as a reminder of the love and abundance bestowed upon me
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me
My beloved's expressions of love and generosity endure to the eleventh day of this remarkable time
Eleven ladies dancing, ten pipers piping, nine drummers drumming
Eleven joyful ladies dancing, ten melodious pipers, and nine skillful drummers create an atmosphere of celebration
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
Accompanied by the diligent maids, graceful swimming swans, and loyal laying geese
Five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
The precious rings, melodious birds, loyal hens, and peaceful doves continue to adorn this festive time
And a partridge in a pear tree
With the partridge and pear tree, the symbolism of love and abundance permeates the atmosphere
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
As the twelfth day dawns, my beloved concludes this extraordinary time with one final gesture
Twelve Lords a leaping, eleven ladies dancing, ten pipers piping
Twelve noble lords filled with exuberance, eleven joyous ladies dancing, and ten melodious pipers join together in revelry
Nine drummers drumming, eight maids a milking
Nine skillful drummers and eight diligent maids contribute to the festive ambiance
Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
Accompanied by the graceful swimming swans and the loyal laying geese
And five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
The treasured rings, melodious birds, loyal hens, and peaceful doves bring final delight
And a partridge in a pear tree, and a partridge in a pear tree
With a final reminder of the partridge and pear tree, the joy and abundance of this festive time reverberate
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BARBARA BAZALDUA, GERALDINE GOUZERH, BEN HOPPE, JAMES LATHAM, SHARI OKAMOTO, RICHARD TEAGUE, TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind