You must wake and call me early...
FROM THE MAY QUEEN
You must wake and call me early... - form Summary
Ballad Voice Celebrates Youth
This short ballad uses a simple, rhythmic narrative and refrain to stage a May Day scene from a girl's point of view. The repeated lines and jaunty meter create a sing-song, communal tone that evokes folk celebration and childhood excitement. By adopting ballad conventions—direct speech, a clear role (Queen of the May) and lively repetition—Tennyson conveys innocence, local ritual, and the ceremonial joy of youth.
Read Complete AnalysesYou must wake and call me early, call me early, mother dear; To-morrow 'ill be the happiest time of all the glad New-year; Of all the glad New-year, mother, the maddest merriest day; For I'm to be Queen o' the May, mother, I'm to be Queen o' the May. There's many a black black eye, they say, but none so bright as mine; There's Margaret and Mary, there's Kate and Caroline: But none so fair as little Alice in all the land they say, So I'm to be Queen o' the May, mother, I'm to be Queen o' the May.
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