When the leaves are free and flying in the chilly winds of May
And a falling star is dying the crystal milky way.
When the golden grass is blowing and the days are blue and clear,
Yet the hours are quickly going that I'm spared to have you near.
When the leaf is on the tree and the grass is green and high
Is the time when I must leave you, is the time when men will die.
Is the time when I need your love and your thoughts surrounding me,
Is a praying time for all mankind; when the leaf is on the tree.
When the leaves lie crushed and broken in the hot October sun.
When the words of peace are spoken and the war is truly won,
When the first rain of November brings its gifts of greenery,
Pause a minute to remember when the leaf is on the tree.
When the leaf is on the tree and the grass is green and high,
Is the time when I did leave you, is the time when men did die,
Is the time I needed your love and your thoughts surrounding me,
Is a praying time for all mankind when the leaf is on the tree.