My true love gave to me...what?

December 24, 2015 8:10 AM

Ok, this has been traumatizing me since childhood. Well, not really, but you know how it is. What the HECK does my true love give to to me on the twelfth day of Christmas in this recording?! Can't understand the lyrics.

The recording is from this vinyl album, which was a wonderful constant growing up in my household. But on the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gives me ... something, and I can't understand what it's saying. Google isn't helping.

The lyrics in question are about 3:21 into the recording. link to recording here.

This particular recording has:

8 Maids a-milking
9 Pipers piping
10 Ladies dancing
11 Lords a-leaping
12 ???

It should be drummers drumming, but it isn't. What the heck is it?! Thank you!!

posted by Melismata to Media & Arts (7 answers total)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twelve_Days_of_Christmas_(song)#Variations_of_the_lyrics
posted by blueberry at 8:16 AM on December 24, 2015 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I hear fiddlers fiddling.
posted by Perplexity at 8:16 AM on December 24, 2015 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Sounds like "flippers flipping" to me.
posted by moogs at 8:18 AM on December 24, 2015 [4 favorites]

Best answer: I hear fiddlers fiddling too.
posted by colfax at 8:18 AM on December 24, 2015 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: *cry* Thank you!!! I saw that Wiki list but fiddlers wasn't on it.
posted by Melismata at 8:20 AM on December 24, 2015

Best answer: Now I hear fiddlers!
posted by moogs at 8:20 AM on December 24, 2015 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Was trying to track down artist instead of puzzling it out. This is the Norman Luboff Choir, according to Shazam. More recordings: same one, with orchestra.
posted by supercres at 8:22 AM on December 24, 2015