The Twelve Days of Christmas
Vox Turturis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall 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
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.
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 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 sent 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 sent 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 sent to me
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 ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing,
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 sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
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 sent to me
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
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 sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
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!
"The Twelve Days of Christmas" is a traditional English Christmas carol that recounts a progressively growing list of extravagant gifts sent by a lover over the twelve days of Christmas. The repetition of the gifts from the previous days creates a cumulative effect, making each verse longer and more elaborate than the last. The opening verse sets the scene with the iconic gift of a partridge in a pear tree arriving on the first day, symbolizing an enduring and faithful love.
As the song progresses, the gifts become more lavish, adding new items while retaining all the previous ones. Each verse becomes a lyrical list of the items the true love has sent, showcasing an escalating sense of abundance and opulence. The verses not only serve as a fun way to count down the days until Christmas but also paint a picture of a grand gesture of affection and devotion.
The gifts themselves hold symbolic meanings. The turtle doves represent love and faithfulness, the French hens may symbolize the Holy Trinity, and the maids a-milking could signify purity or diligence. The golden rings could stand for eternal love or commitment, while the drummers drumming and pipers piping evoke festive joy and celebration. The variety of gifts reflects a diverse range of emotions and virtues that the lover wishes to convey.
Overall, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" can be interpreted as a whimsical and extravagant declaration of love, showcasing the sentiment of giving generously and thoughtfully to one's beloved. The repetition of the gifts and the buildup of the list create a sense of anticipation and excitement, mirroring the festive spirit of the holiday season and the joy of giving and receiving gifts.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Tim Mather, TRAD TRAD, TRAD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind