I said the little leatherwing bat
I'll tell to you the reason that
The reason that I fly by night
Is because I've lost my heart's delight.

Refrain:
Howdy dowdy diddle-dum day
Howdy dowdy diddle-dum day
Howdy dowdy diddle-dum day
Hey le lee-lee lie-lee low

I said the blackbird sittin' on a chair
Once I courted a lady, fair.
She proved fickle and turned her back
And ever since then I've dressed in black.

(refrain)

I said the woodpecker sittin' on a fence
Once I courted a handsome wench
She got scared and from me fled
And ever since then my head's been red.

(refrain)

I said the little turtle dove
I'll tell you how to win her love
Court her night and court her day
Never give her time to say o-neigh!

(refrain)

I said the bluejay and away he flew
If I were a young man I'd have two
If one were faithless and chanced to go
I'd add the other string to my bow

(refrain)

Hey le lee-lee lie-lee low