The Twelve Days of Christmas
The Twelve Days Of Christmas - Roger Whittaker 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
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent 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 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 English Christmas carol that symbolizes the 12 days following Christmas Day. In this version performed by Roger Whittaker, the lyrics describe a series of extravagant and whimsical gifts that are progressively sent by the singer's true love over the twelve days leading up to Epiphany. The repetition of each gift serves to build a cumulative and festive atmosphere, as each day adds a new layer of items to the previous day's gifts.
The first day begins with a partridge in a pear tree, a symbol of fertility and the Virgin Mary in Christian iconography. The pear tree represents the tree of life and the partridge symbolizes Christ. As the days progress, the gifts become more extravagant, with the addition of turtle doves, French hens, calling birds, gold rings, geese, and swans. Each new gift adds a sense of abundance and opulence to the overall theme of the song.
The increasing number of gifts and the variety of animals and objects mentioned in the lyrics may evoke a sense of wonder and whimsy, capturing the joy and excitement of the holiday season. The repetitive structure of the song emphasizes the joy of receiving gifts from a loved one and the anticipation of what each new day will bring. The final verse brings together all the gifts mentioned in the previous days, culminating in a grand finale that celebrates the spirit of generosity and love that defines the Christmas season.
Overall, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" celebrates the joy of giving and receiving gifts, as well as the spirit of love, abundance, and celebration during the festive season. The elaborate and fantastical nature of the gifts serves as a playful and imaginative way to convey the message of generosity and appreciation for those we hold dear during the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me
At the beginning of the festive season, my beloved gifted me
A partridge in a pear tree
A bird perched in a fruit-bearing tree, symbolizing a unique and precious present
On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Continuing the gift-giving tradition, my true love presented me
Two turtle doves
A pair of gentle and loving doves, representing peace and harmony
And a partridge in a pear tree
And another beautiful bird in a tree, adding to the growing collection
On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me
The generosity of my true love continued on the third day, sending
Three French hens, two turtle doves
Three chickens from France, joining the peaceful doves in the gift array
And a partridge in a pear tree
Together with the other birds in the pear tree, creating a lively scene
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
My beloved's gifts multiplied, as on the fourth day I received
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
A group of singing birds, clucking hens, and peaceful doves, adding to the festive atmosphere
And a partridge in a pear tree
Completing the collection of birds in the pear tree, a cherished present
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
The presents became more extravagant, as I was gifted by my true love
Five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
Shiny rings, melodious birds, French hens, and loving doves, enriching the festive spirit
And a partridge in a pear tree
The bird in the pear tree remained central to the celebration, a constant reminder of love
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
The gifts continued to pour in on the sixth day, with my true love sending
Six geese a laying, five gold rings, four calling birds
Geese laying eggs, gold rings shining, and singing birds, enhancing the joyful atmosphere
Three French hens, two turtle doves
Joining the other birds, contributing to the lively and festive environment
And a partridge in a pear tree
The bird in the pear tree staying as a symbol of love and affection
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me
On the seventh day of the season, my true love showed continued affection by giving me
Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five gold rings
Graceful swimming swans, egg-laying geese, and shiny rings, adding to the beauty of the celebration
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
The singing birds, clucking hens, and gentle doves still present and contributing to the festive mood
And a partridge in a pear tree
The beloved bird in the tree, overseeing the joyous gathering with love
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
With each passing day, my true love's gifts multiplied, as on the eighth day I received
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
Hardworking maids, swimming swans, and egg-laying geese, making the celebration more vibrant
Five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
Shiny rings, melodious birds, clucking hens, and peaceful doves, creating a festive atmosphere
And a partridge in a pear tree
The bird in the pear tree, a symbol of affection, present throughout the festivities
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
The ninth day brought new gifts from my true love, including
Nine drummers drumming
Nine drummers playing merry tunes, adding a musical element to the celebration
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Continuing the tradition, my true love bestowed upon me
Ten pipers piping
Ten musicians playing cheerful melodies on their pipes, enhancing the festive spirit
Eleven ladies dancing, ten pipers piping, nine drummers drumming
A lively scene filled with dancing, piping, and drumming, showcasing the joy of the festivities
And a partridge in a pear tree
The beloved bird in the tree, a constant reminder of the love shared during this special time
Twelve Lords a leaping, eleven ladies dancing, ten pipers piping
The celebration continues with Lords leaping, ladies dancing, and pipers piping, embodying the festive spirit
Nine, drummers drumming, eight maids a milking
Drummers playing, maids working, contributing to the lively atmosphere
Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying
Graceful swans swimming, geese laying eggs, adding to the beauty of the occasion
And five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
Shiny rings, singing birds, clucking hens, and peaceful doves, enriching the festive ambiance
And a partridge in a pear tree, and a partridge in a pear tree
The bird in the tree, a symbol of love, joy, and cherished memories, abundant throughout the twelve days of celebration
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: Traditional
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