Here's a rabble, here's a rout,
Here's a merry song and shout,
Here's a crown down every way,
At Islington on May-day!
Lassies young in charming frocks,
Farmer boys in caps and smocks,
London lads whose work is done,
One and all just out for fun.
Seeking all a day of leisure,
Hours of mirth and love's sweet treasure,
Filling high life's cup of pleasure
    At Islington on May-day!

Some come to the Fair with a hey down derry O!
Life's a song that is blithe and merry O!
Step it out with a hey ho nonny no!
Choose a lass that is young and bonny O!
    Leave afar your care and pain,
    All dark thoughts and dreams disdain,
    Greet the merry spring again,
    At Islington on May-day!

Here's a rabble, here's a shout,
What's the happy throng about?
Here's a lad with frowning face,
Duck him in the pond apace!
Here's a gipsy who foretells,
If you've money, wedding bells!
There is Parson Jack you see,
Rush him round the Maypole tree!
All the world a Fair is seeming,
Golden skies above are gleaming,
Life's a dream that's worth the dreaming
    At Islington on May-day!