Sweet as the Flowers in May Time is a traditional song usually known as "My Mother/Mama Scolds Me For Flirting." It was first recorded by the Carolina Tar Heels in 1927.

Randolph collected a version learned prior to 1900. The Carters extra verse is taken from the chorus of the 1867 song "Where There's A Will There's A Way."

SWEET AS THE FLOWERS IN MAY TIME- Carter Family 1932

    Sweet as the flowers in May time
    Sweet as the dew on the rose
    I would rather be somebody's darling
    As a poor girl who nobody knows

Oh, mama scolds me for flirting
What is as a poor girl to do
Oh, this world would be sad without a lover
And this world would be sad without you
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Oh, I wish I had someone to love me
Someone just to call me their own
Be the rule over somebody's kitchen
Or the queen over somebody's home

    Sweet as the flowers in May time
    Sweet as the dew on the rose
    I would rather be somebody's darling
    As a poor girl who nobody knows
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Oh, what is the use of us parting
Wherever there's a will, there's a way
Tomorrow the sun may be shining
Although it is cloudy today

    Sweet as the flowers in May time
    Sweet as the dew on the rose
    I would rather be somebody's darling
    As a poor girl who nobody knows