Thus we play when our work is done,
Our work is done, our work is done,
Thus we play when our work is done,
So early Saturday morning.
The players stand in a circle clasping hands, and circle around, singing the first verse. In the second and alternate verses the action indicated by the lines is given in pantomime. In all verses the players spin around rapidly, each in her own place, on the repetition of the refrain, "So early in the morning."
This is one of the oldest traditional games, and probably one of the most widely known. It is considered to have originated as a marriage dance around a sacred tree or bush, our mistletoe custom having come from the same source.
NUTS IN MAY
6 to 60 or more players.
Indoors; out of doors.
(Sung to the air of "Mulberry Bush")
Here we come gathering nuts in May,
Nuts in May, nuts in May.
Here we come gathering nuts in May,
On a cold and frosty morning.
Whom will you have for nuts in May,
Nuts in May, nuts in May?
Whom will you have for nuts in May
On a cold and frosty morning?
We'll have (Mary) for nuts in May,
Nuts in May, nuts in May,
We'll have (Mary) for nuts in May,
On a cold and frosty morning.