Oh the wren, oh the wren is the king of all birds
On St. Stephen's Day he got caught in the firs
It's up with the kettle and down with the pan
Give us a penny for to bury the wren

Oh the wren, oh the wren is a terrible rake
Won't you give us a penny for the little bird's wake?
It's up with the bottle and it's down with the can
Give us a penny for to bury the wren

Oh the wren, oh the wren has the tiniest quill
Won't you give us a penny for the little bird's will?
It's up with the paper and it's down with the pen
Give us a penny for to bury the wren

Oh the wren, oh the wren is the king of all birds
On St. Stephen's day he got caught in the firs
It's up with the kettle and down with the pan
Give us a penny for to bury the wren