The 12 Days of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas
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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (five golden rings)
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtle-doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the 11th day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
I sent 11 pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings (five golden rings)
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtle-doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the 12th day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
12 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 (five golden rings)
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtle-doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
And a partridge in a pear tree
Listen to the song
Hør sangen
About the carol The 12 Days of Christmas
“The 12 Days of Christmas” is a traditional English Christmas carol with origins dating back several centuries. The exact composer is unknown, but the song became widely known through the English folk tradition. Bing Crosby recorded his own version, bringing the traditional carol into the popular Christmas music world through his classic vocal style.
The song presents a series of gifts given over twelve days, with each verse adding another item to the growing list. The repeated structure makes it memorable and easy to sing, especially in group settings. The gifts mentioned in the song, such as birds, rings and other presents, have become some of the most recognizable symbols associated with the carol.
Its connection to Christmas comes from the traditional period known as the Twelve Days of Christmas, which begins on Christmas Day and continues into January. Bing Crosby’s recording helped introduce the song to new generations of listeners. Today, “The 12 Days of Christmas” remains popular because of its playful repetition, festive spirit and long history as part of Christmas celebrations.
