I've been a-wandering all this night
And the best part of the day
But when I come back home again
I will bring you a branch of May

A branch of May I bring you here
And at your door I stand
It's only a sprout, but it's well budded out
By the work of God's own hand

The hedges and fields are clothed in green
As green as the early leaf
The clouds above will water them 
With morning rain so sweet.

The life of man is but a span
 He's cut down like the grass
 But here's to the green leaf of the tree 
 As long as life shall last

The moon shines bright, the stars give a light 
A little before 'tis day
We call once more unto your house 
All in this month of May

My song is done, I must be gone
No longer can I stay
God bless you all, both great and small
And send you a joyful May