Oh, the cuckoo is a pretty bird
Well, she warbles when she flies
But I never caught a cuckoo
'Til the fourth day of July, ah no

I'm gonna build me a log cabin
On a mountain, Lord, so high
So I can see Willie
When he goes on by, ah Lord

Well, I played cards down in England
And I played cards down in Spain
And I bet you ten dollars
That I beat you, Lord, next game, yes I will

Oh, jack of diamonds, jack of diamonds
And I know you from old
And you robbed my poor pockets
Of my silver and my gold, yes you did

Well your horses ain't hungry
And they won't eat your hay
I'm gonna ride on a little further
Go to meet them on my way, yes I will

Well, the cuckoo is a pretty bird
Well, shе warbles when she fliеs
But I never caught a cuckoo
'Til the fourth day of July, one more time