Because it is the sweet o' the year,
There's white and yellow on vale and hill,
The blackbird sings at his darling's ear,
He has gotten a new gold bill.

When birds are merry and have good cheer,
And roses nod in the garden bow'r,
Oh, then it is the sweet o' the year,
And love and the world in flower!

Come, lads and lasses, gamesome and glad,
With flute and tabor come dance and sing,
Come gather honey, Oh lass and lad,
While the merry year's at the spring. 

For now comes in the sweet o' the year,
The sweet o' the year that tarries for none,
There comes high Summer, and Autumn sere,
And the year is over and done.

Come, gather honey, Oh lad and lass,
The sweet o' the year is our portion once,
And he who nods while the gold hours pass,
'Tis he is dullard and dunce.

For now comes in the sweet o' the year,
The birds are kissing on vale and hill,
The thrush has got a new song for his dear,
And the blackbird a new gold bill.