See also the post from Jim Dixon in the same thread, but I don't think the song began with Hans Theesink:

Thread #22860   Message #2772587
Posted By: Jim Dixon
24-Nov-09 - 10:37 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Cuckoo (Hans Theessink)
Subject: Lyr Add: CUCKOO (Hans Theessink)

From Harry's Blues Lyrics:


CUCKOO
Hans Theessink

When you hear them cuckoos hollerin'
When you hear them cuckoos hollerin'
When you hear them cuckoos hollerin'
Sign of rain, sign of rain

When you hear them woodowls callin' through the night
When you hear them woodowls callin' through the night
When you hear them woodowls callin' through the night
Somebody's leavin' this old world behind

When you hear that high 'n' lonesome sound
When you hear that high 'n' lonesome sound
When you hear that high 'n' lonesome sound
Somebody's on his last go round

Beg for mercy on your bended knees 'n' pray
Beg for mercy on your bended knees 'n' pray
Beg for mercy on your knees 'n' pray
Ain't nowhere to run to, ain't no hiding place
Beg for mercy on your bended knees 'n' pray

[from "Call Me" (Deluge DEL-D-3006, 1992)]