I once was the Queen of May
I am an old woman, my age is four score,
My brittle bones creak like a rusty half door,
And you never would dream as you see me today
That I once was the Queen of the May May May!
My trapple is rusty and sings out of tune,
And wrinkled my face like the full harvest moon,
I am battered and bruised by the full harvest moon,
I am battered and bruised by the years since that day
When they made me the Queen of the May May May!
In white veil they dressed me and ribboned my hair,
And carried me high on a wee baby chair,
There was dancing and singing and laughter that day
When I was the Queen of the May May May!
Oh, voices so merry commingling that night
Your echoes now sadden that once gave delight;
For ye have departed and fled like the day
When they made me the Queen of the May May May!
Oh wearily down on my pillow I lie
And count the sad chimes as the slow hours pass by,
Till slumber deep wafts me in sweet dreams away
And I'm once more the Queen of the May May May!