Cuckoo Song

Spring begins in Southern England on the 14th April, on which date the Old Woman lets the Cuckoo out of her basket at Heathfield Fair--locally known as Heffle Cuckoo Fair.

Tell it to the locked-up trees, Cuckoo, bring your song here! Warrant, Act and Summons, please. For Spring to pass along here! Tell old Winter, if he doubt, Tell him squat and square--a! Old Woman! Old Woman! Old Woman's let the Cuckoo out At Heffle Cuckoo Fair--a!

March has searched and April tried-- 'Tisn't long to May now, Not so far to Whitsuntide, And Cuckoo's come to stay now! Hear the valiant fellow shout Down the orchard bare--a! Old Woman! Old Woman! Old Woman's let the Cuckoo out At Heffle Cuckoo Fair--a!

When your heart is young and gay And the season rules it-- Work your works and play your play 'Fore the Autumn cools it! Kiss you turn and turn about, But my lad, beware--a! Old Woman! Old Woman! Old Woman's let the Cuckoo out At Heffle Cuckoo Fair--a!