OLD SWINTON MAY SONG

All in this pleasant evening, together come are we,
For the summer springs so fresh, green, and gay.
We'll tell you of a blossom and buds on every tree,
Drawing near to the merry month of May.

Rise up, the master of this house. Put on your chain of gold,
For the summer springs so fresh, green, and gay.
We hope you're not offended, with your house we make so bold,
Drawing near to the merry month of May.

Rise up, the mistress of this house, with gold along your breast,
For the summer springs so fresh, green, and gay.
And if your body be asleep, we hope your soul's at rest,
Drawing near to the merry month of May.

Rise up, the children of this house, all in your rich attire,
For the summer springs so fresh, green, and gay.
For every hair upon your head shines like the silver wire,
Drawing near to the merry month of May.

God bless this house and harbour, your riches and your store,
For the summer springs so fresh, green, and gay.
We hope the Lord will prosper you, both now and evermore,
Drawing near to the merry month of May.

So now, we're going to leave you, in peace and plenty here,
For the summer springs so fresh, green, and gay.
We shall not sing you May again until another year,
For to draw you these cold winters away.


Traditional, Swinton, Salford, England; collected 1861.

From Robert Chambers,
"The Book Of Days: A Miscellany of Popular Antiquities...," 1869-1990.
The song was traditionally sung in April.
Sung by the Watersons on "For Pence & Spicey Ale," 1975,
@seasonal
filename[ SWINTMAY
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Feb07
mudcat.org

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