Re What's a Colly Bird? Somewhere I have an (almost worn out) audio recording of one of their concerts where they explain that it's a cross between a sheep dog and a pigeon!
It was originally "colly birds" not "calling birds" and in this version of the song they do sing "colly birds" that is why one of the band keeps barking and whistling. "Colly birds" = black birds., "Colly" means "black as coal" in old English, as in "colliery".
What is a colly bird? It is a black bird. In England a coal mine is called a colliery and colly or collie is a derivation of this and means black like coal. For a long time in England, blackbirds have been referred to as both blackbirds (as in the nursery rhyme Sing a Song of Sixpence ) and colly birds as in The Twelve Days of Christmas .
from:
chuck . hubpages . com / hub / On_the_Fourth_Day_of_Christmas
This version of "the12 days of christmas" is the one that makes me most happy, great performance by The Spinners and the public :)
I had trouble to find this version but my Daughter helped me find it, thanks to her too :)
Anders2989 2 months ago
best christmas song eva
xhaz13 2 months ago
Re What's a Colly Bird? Somewhere I have an (almost worn out) audio recording of one of their concerts where they explain that it's a cross between a sheep dog and a pigeon!
RJSRdg 2 months ago
there are only twelve days of christmas either side ...not all the endless nonsence they do every year!
martystuart1000 2 months ago
Oh the memories.
I remember singing this in the Phil Christmas concert may times.
Happy Days!!!
MrJimmill 2 months ago
this is a brilliant version and very funny puts u in the mood of the fun and festivities
1968davidcassin 5 months ago
It was originally "colly birds" not "calling birds" and in this version of the song they do sing "colly birds" that is why one of the band keeps barking and whistling. "Colly birds" = black birds., "Colly" means "black as coal" in old English, as in "colliery".
johnatkin69 6 months ago 9
its a calling bird. not a collie bird. calling birds are great at mimicing sounds.they call them calling birds 'cause they call what they hear.
awjb3 6 months ago
I can remember Hughie used to run around doing all the actions to this. Hilarious
TheLozzer56 8 months ago 2
XD
i am thinking there are only 2!!! christmas days..
goeie7 1 year ago
A Blackbird from what I can make out.
johnatkin69 1 year ago 4
What is a collie bird?
07williamsdj 1 year ago
@07williamsdj
What is a colly bird? It is a black bird. In England a coal mine is called a colliery and colly or collie is a derivation of this and means black like coal. For a long time in England, blackbirds have been referred to as both blackbirds (as in the nursery rhyme Sing a Song of Sixpence ) and colly birds as in The Twelve Days of Christmas .
from:
chuck . hubpages . com / hub / On_the_Fourth_Day_of_Christmas
..remove spaces
pinfkloyd 4 months ago
i love this song
Cheeseatable 1 year ago