The wren, the wren, king of all birds
St. Stephen's day he was caught in the furze
Although he is little his family was great
Rise up landlady and give us a trate (treat)
And if this trate be very small
It won't agree with the boys at all
And if this treat be of the best
I hope in Heaven your soul will rest
I followed my wren through frost and snow.
I followed my wren three miles or so.
I followed my wren through Carraig an Ois.
And brought him here on a holly bush.
Here is the wren which ye can see
Dressed upon a holly tree.
Dreoilín, Dreoilín, where is your nest
It's in the woods where I love best.
It's between a holly and an ivy tree
Where all the birds can whistle to me
I brought the wren to visit you here.
A happy Christmas and a merry New Year
Christmas comes but once a year
And when it comes it brings good cheer.
Up with the kettle and down with the pan.
A penny or two to bury the wren.