capo 3

intro Am C G Em x 4 times

A      E       F#m        A
May I make my fond excuses
  A      D         G       A
for the lateness of the hour,
     A      E      F#m        A
but we accept your invitation,
     A     D      G         A
and we bring you Beltane's flower.
B        F#        G#m      B
For the May Day is the great day,
B     E        A          B
sung along the old straight track.
  B        F#          G#m      B
And those who ancient lines did lay
      B         E             A     B
will heed the song that calls them back.

G7sus4*            C(add9 no third)*
Pass the word and pass the lady,
D        G        E       Em
pass the plate to all who hunger.
 C       D          B7      D/E(bass)
Pass the wit of ancient wisdom,
G                D            Dsus4    D   Dsus4
pass the cup of crimson wonder.
D7              D7(sus4)   D   Dsus4    D   Dsus4
pass the cup of crimson wonder.

intro Am C G Em x 4 times
 

G7sus4* 353533
C(add9 no third)*335533

 instrumental middles not for now
rest of lirycs
Ask the green man where he comes from, ask the cup that fills with red.
Ask the old grey standing stones that show the sun its way to bed.
Question all as to their ways,
  and learn the secrets that they hold.
Walk the lines of nature's palm
  crossed with silver and with gold.
Pass the cup and pass the lady, pass the plate to all who hunger.
Pass the wit of ancient wisdom, pass the cup of crimson wonder.

Join in black December's sadness,
  lie in August's welcome corn.
Stir the cup that's ever-filling
  with the blood of all that's born.
But the May Day is the great day, sung along the old straight track.
And those who ancient lines did lay
  will heed this song that calls them back.
Pass the word and pass the lady, pass the plate to all who hunger.
Pass the wit of ancient wisdom, pass the cup of crimson wonder.

Words and music by  IAN ANDERSON

TRANSCRIPTION BY PACO JIMENEZ (SPAIN)
THANKS TO HAKAN FOR CORRECTIONS
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