When the leaves are free and flying
In the chilly winds of May
And a falling star is dying
In 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