Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of eager anticipation on May Day, with the speaker directly addressing "fair Ladies of the May." There's an immediate sense of longing and a specific search for a "cruel" beloved, who is later identified as "Fair Cloris." This "cruel" is not a term of endearment in the modern sense, but rather suggests a powerful, perhaps even playfully tormenting, figure whose presence is intensely desired.
The central tension lies in the speaker's quest to find Cloris and witness her crowning as May Queen. The repetition of "Good morrow, fair Ladies of the May" emphasizes the ritualistic and celebratory nature of the day, while the repeated "Where is my cruel?" highlights the speaker's singular focus. The arrival of Cloris is met with awe, described as a "Queen" in "gaudy green arraying," signifying her regal and festive status.
The most striking craft element is the juxtaposition of "cruel" and "sweet jewel" to describe the same person, Cloris. This contrast creates a complex portrait of the beloved, suggesting someone who simultaneously captivates and perhaps eludes the speaker. The imagery of Cloris as a "Queen" in "all in gaudy green" is vivid, evoking the traditional May Day celebrations and Cloris's elevated position within them. The final lines, "So was my Cloris sheen brought home / And made May Queen," confirm her triumphant and celebrated status, solidifying the speaker's admiration.
These lyrics are effective because they capture a moment of intense, almost breathless, joy and admiration. The simple, direct language and the focus on a singular event—Cloris being crowned May Queen—create a powerful emotional resonance. The speaker's fervent search and subsequent delight in witnessing Cloris's splendor make the scene feel immediate and deeply felt, celebrating a specific, almost idealized, vision of May Day revelry.
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