The song, first published in England in 1780 without music as a chant or rhyme, is thought to be French in origin. (source)

Lyrics

On the first day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Two Turtle Doves

Three French Hens

Four Calling Birds

Five Golden Rings

Six Geese a Laying

Seven Swans a Swimming

Eight Maids a Milking

Nine Ladies Dancing

Ten Lords a Leaping

Eleven Pipers Piping

Twelve Drummers Drumming

Links

• more songs from England
• more songs from the British Isles
• more Christmas songs
• lesson ideas
• free sheet music

The following content is available below to Plus Members:

• PDF includes:
  • Song with chords
• MIDI file
• MP3