When the snowfields thaw and the stream beds crawl
To the waterfall and river
I'll turn my face to the bright green space
Of the mother, my life-giver
No man has made a ring of jade
Like green corn in the husk
No man could own a turquoise stone
As deep blue as the dusk
So come away from your working day
And laugh and let your head go-
And bring along an old-time song
For dancing in the meadow ...

Leave your bedside for a moonlight ride
Where the midnight air is warmer
We'll sing for the quail and the cotton tail
Who still escapes the farmer
Deep plum thickets and bramble bushes
Where the quiet creatures hide
Are part of me-a mystery which I accept with pride
If I must stay and lay all day
Like a March hare in hedgerow
When the hunter's gone, it's all night long
For dancing in the meadow ...

When the summer's over and come October
When the evening air is crisper, In the mist and smoke by the twisted oak
I'll listen to the branches whisper
Barn dancers reel, the furrowed field
Must yield and quickly turn
Harvest gone the hoot owl song
Is one we now must learn
"Who, who, who are you?" and, "If it's you who said so?"
"Who could it be?" "It's only me"
I'm dancing in the meadow ...
When the seasons pass and the hour glass
Has all too quickly shattered
You'll lay me low beneath the snow
And wonder if I mattered
Late in the night your hair gone white
Will surely stand on end;
You'll hear me sing, my banjo ring
The voice of your old friend
If you get brave, run to my grave
And holler, "Are you dead?" "No!"
No tombstone can cover my bones
I'm dancing in the meadow ...