Lyrics: Peter, Paul & Mary. Peter, Paul And Mommy. Leatherwing Bat.

(Adapt. & Arr. by Yarrow/Stookey)

"I" said the little leatherwing bat
"I'll tell to you the reason that
The reason that I fly by night
Is because I've lost my heart's delight."

[Refrain:]
Howdy dowdy diddle-dum day
Howdy dowdy diddle-dum day
Howdy dowdy diddle-dum day
Hey le lee-lee lie-lee low

"I" said the blackbird sittin' on a chair
"Once I courted a lady, fair.
She proved fickle and turned her back
And ever since then I've dressed in black."

[Refrain]

"I" said the woodpecker sittin' on a fence
"Once I courted a handsome wench
She got scared and from me fled
And ever since then my head's been red."

[Refrain]

"I" said the little turtle dove
"I'll tell you how to win her love
Court her night and court her day
Never give her time to say o-neigh!"

[Refrain]

"I" said the bluejay and away he flew
"If I were a young man I'd have two
If one were faithless and chanced to go
I'd add the other string to my bow"

[Refrain]

Hey le lee-lee lie-lee low