May I make my fond excuses
For the lateness of the hour
But we accept your invitation
And we bring you Beltane's flowerFor the May Day is the great day
Sung along the old straight track
And those who ancient lines did lay
Will heed the song that calls them backPass the word and pass the lady
Pass the plate to all who hunger
Pass the wit of ancient wisdom
Pass the cup of crimson wonderAsk the green man where he comes from
Ask the cup that fills with red.
Ask the old gray standing stones
That show the sun its way to bedQuestion all as to their ways
And learn the secrets that they hold
Walk the lines of nature's palm
Crossed with silver and with goldPass the word and pass the lady
Pass the plate to all who hunger
Pass the wit of ancient wisdom
Pass the cup of crimson wonderJoin in black December's sadness
Lie in August's welcome corn
Stir the cup that's ever-filling
With the blood of all that's bornBut the May Day is the great day
Sung along the old straight track
And those who ancient lines did lay
Will heed this song that calls them backPass the word and pass the lady
Pass the plate to all who hunger
Pass the wit of ancient wisdom
Pass the cup of crimson wonder