12 Days of Christmas
Julian Ovenden Katie Marshall Rosalie Craig John Lunn & The Budapest City Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My true love sent to me:
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the second day of Christmas
My true love sent to me:
2 Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the third day of Christmas
My true love sent to me:
3 French Hens
2 Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the fourth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me:
4 Calling Birds
3 French Hens
2 Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the fifth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me:
5 Golden Rings
4 Calling Birds
3 French Hens
2 Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the sixth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me:
6 Geese a Laying
5 Golden Rings
4 Calling Birds
3 French Hens
2 Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the seventh day of Christmas
My true love sent to me:
7 Swans a Swimming
6 Geese a Laying
5 Golden Rings
4 Calling Birds
3 French Hens
2 Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the eighth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me:
8 Maids a Milking
7 Swans a Swimming
6 Geese a Laying
5 Golden Rings
4 Calling Birds
3 French Hens
2 Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the ninth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me:
9 Ladies Dancing
8 Maids a Milking
7 Swans a Swimming
6 Geese a Laying
5 Golden Rings
4 Calling Birds
3 French Hens
2 Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the tenth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me:
10 Lords a Leaping
9 Ladies Dancing
8 Maids a Milking
7 Swans a Swimming
6 Geese a Laying
5 Golden Rings
4 Calling Birds
3 French Hens
2 Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the eleventh day of Christmas
My true love sent to me:
11 Pipers Piping
10 Lords a Leaping
9 Ladies Dancing
8 Maids a Milking
7 Swans a Swimming
6 Geese a Laying
5 Golden Rings
4 Calling Birds
3 French Hens
2 Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the first day of Christmas
My true love sent to me:
12 Drummers Drumming
11 Pipers Piping
10 Lords a Leaping
9 Ladies Dancing
8 Maids a Milking
7 Swans a Swimming
6 Geese a Laying
5 Golden Rings
4 Calling Birds
3 French Hens
2 Turtle Doves
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
The lyrics of "12 Days of Christmas" describe the many gifts that the singer's true love sent to them throughout the twelve days of Christmas, with each day adding a new gift to the previous ones. The actions and gifts mentioned in the song are mostly frivolous and some may seem pointless to a modern audience. However, the meaning of the song may relate back to Christianity, with each gift referring to a specific religious meaning. For example, the "partridge in a pear tree" may represent Jesus Christ, and the "two turtle doves" may symbolize the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
It is also possible that the song originated as a memory game, where one person would say the first line of the song, and the next person would have to recall the first line and add the next one, gradually building up the list. Interestingly, the song has been adapted and modified many times throughout history and continues to be popular today in many different cultures. Additionally, there are various theories about the religious symbolism behind the gifts listed in the song.
Line by Line Meaning
On the first day of Christmas
My true love started the Christmas countdown
My true love sent to me:
My beloved surprised me with a special delivery
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
A beautiful bird and tree on display for the holiday season
2 Turtle Doves
Two lovely birds to keep the partridge company
3 French Hens
Three hens to provide fresh eggs for holiday meals
4 Calling Birds
Four birds singing joyful holiday tunes
5 Golden Rings
Five rings symbolizing the love and commitment of the holiday season
6 Geese a Laying
Six geese busy laying eggs for holiday baking
7 Swans a Swimming
Seven graceful swans swimming on a winter pond
8 Maids a Milking
Eight maids working hard to make rich holiday treats
9 Ladies Dancing
Nine ladies in festive dresses dancing to cheerful holiday music
10 Lords a Leaping
Ten noble lords showcasing their jumping skills in celebration
11 Pipers Piping
Eleven skilled musicians playing lively tunes on their pipes
12 Drummers Drumming
Twelve energetic drummers adding a lively beat to the holiday spirit
Writer(s): Traditional Christmas Song
Contributed by Skyler M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.