The Twelve Days of Christmas
The Gang Lyrics


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On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
A partridge in a pear tree

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
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 gave to me
Five golden 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 gave to me
Six geese a-laying, five golden 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 gave to me
Seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying,
five golden 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 gave to me
Eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming,
six geese a-laying, five golden rings
Four calling birds, three French hens,
wo turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Nine drummers drumming, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying, five golden rings,
four calling birds, three French hens
Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Ten pipers piping, nine drummers drumming, eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying,
five golden 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 gave to me
Eleven ladies dancing, ten pipers piping,
nine drummers drumming, eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying,
five golden 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 gave 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, five golden rings




Four calling birds, three French hens,
two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree

Overall Meaning

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" is a traditional English Christmas carol that dates back to the 18th century. The song is structured around a repetitive melody where each verse introduces a new gift that the singer's true love gives to them on each of the twelve days of Christmas. At first glance, the song may seem like a whimsical and nonsensical list of gifts, but it is believed to have hidden meanings and origins tied to Catholic symbolism and numerology.


The partridge in a pear tree in the first verse is thought to symbolize Jesus Christ, with the tree representing the cross. The turtle doves in the second verse are often seen as symbols of love and faithfulness, reflecting the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The gifts continue to build upon each other, adding layers of meaning as they progress through the days. The French hens, calling birds, and golden rings are believed to represent virtues or aspects of the Christian faith, each adding to the spiritual significance of the list.


As the days progress, the gifts become more extravagant and elaborate, culminating in lords a-leaping and ladies dancing on the twelfth day. Some interpretations suggest that the gifts represent the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany, a period of celebration and reflection in the Christian calendar. Others see the song as a way to teach religious lessons through allegory and symbolism, using the gifts as mnemonic devices for remembering key aspects of the faith.


Overall, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" can be seen as a complex and multi-layered composition that blends religious symbolism with playful storytelling. By unraveling the hidden meanings behind each gift, listeners can delve deeper into the rich history and traditions associated with the holiday season. The song serves as a reminder of the spiritual significance of Christmas, encouraging us to reflect on the true gifts of love, faith, and joy that define the season.




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