Notes
- Title
- Cuckoo
- Singer
- Iles, Elijah
- Notes
-
Note 1
Alfred Williams - 'Once very popular. This is the only version I have heard; it was sung by Elijah Iles, Inglesham, Wiltshire.
The cuckoo is said to 'beat the drum' when he often falters and cries 'Cuck, cuck, cuck' without the final syllable. This is said to be a sign of his intending departure.'
Note 2
In Verse 6 Line 3 the original text read:
In the month of June she beats the drum
Transcribed and edited by Chris Wildridge, 2007.