Before spring turned into summer
After night turned into day
They were born a Monday morning
In the days just after May
In the days just after May

By the branch at San Jacinto
Play for me a happy tune
Know of all the days I loved
I loved best the 12th of June
I loved best the 12th of June

He was strong across his shoulders
She was delicate of skin
And their mother lay there ashen
As we held them to our breasts
As we held them to our breasts

By the branch at San Jacinto
Play for me a happy tune
Know of all the days I loved
I loved best the 12th of June
I loved best the 12th of June

All I have I gladly give them
All I am they will exceed
And one thing I know for sure
If they improve the likes of me
They make a better man of me
So to my father and my mother
And to our fathers long before
There are those who walk above us
Who'll remember that we were
They will remember that we were

And to these beautiful two children
And to my sweet and tender wife
I will love you three forever
Though I fly beyond this life
Though I fly beyond this life

By the branch at San Jacinto
Play for me a happy tune
Know of all the days I loved
I loved best the 12th of June

By the branch at San Jacinto
When they lay me in my tomb
Know of all the days I loved
There are so many days I've loved
Know of all the days I loved
I loved best the 12th of June
I loved best the 12th of June