The roses have faded and the Summer is o'er,
And the joys and the tidings of a long day is o'er.
I have longed for to wander the green fields I once knew,
But they're faded and gone now, like the May morning dew.

I went up on the hilltop and I looked all around,
The place seemed enchanted, but no true-love I found.
I cursed the cruel tyrant that bade her adieu,
And I mingled my teardrops with the May morning dew.

God be with my own parents, they are now dead and gone,
Likewise my two brothers, young Michael and John.
It was with them I rambled, the wild hare to pursue,
As we tripped o'er the streamlets in the May morning dew.

God be with my old homestead, not a stick, nor a stone,
And all over the garden, wild flowers have grown.
I miss my old neighbours and the fond friends I knew;
They're all faded and gone now, like the May morning dew;
They're all faded and gone like the May morning dew.

"This song, evoking old age and the passing of time, while being very popular in West Clare, does not seem to have been recorded from traditional singers very often elsewhere; the only other two versions listed by Roud being from Ann Jane Kelly of Keady, Armagh in 1952 and Paddy Tunney of Beleek, Fermanagh in 1965.
Other recordings: Ann Jane Kelly, Record No. 18475, BBC Archive; Paddy Tunney, Record No. 29436, BBC Archive. The Keane sisters of Caherlistrane, Co Galway, also have a version of it."

The above commentary, lyrics and recording are taken from ‘Around the Hills of Clare: Songs and Recitations from the Jim Carroll and Pat Mackenzie Collection’ (2004) Musical Traditions Records MTCD331-2/Góilín Records 005-6.

See also
May Morning Dew sung by Ollie Conway
May Morning Dew sung by John Lyons
May Morning Dew sung by Peggy McMahon