We miss you cuckoo, miss your song
At this time of year
Once, we heard you all day long
Now gone, for good I fear

But we have a substitute
Harbinger of spring
The humble little chiff-chaff
Proclaiming loud and clear

Truth to tell he always did
But now the cuckoo's gone
The little brown job got promoted
We're holding him more dear

Keep singing tiny chiff-chaff
Come back again next year
Escape the winter's chill in Africa
Come springtime, re-appear