Mary Lloyd (1916–1993), also known as Molly, was an accomplished poet and s… Read Full Bio ↴Mary Lloyd (1916–1993), also known as Molly, was an accomplished poet and songwriter. She was the mother of Nick Drake. In 1934, she met Rodney Drake, and they were married in 1937. Molly gave birth to Nick in 1948.

Her poetry is somewhat maudlin but beautiful. Her compositions for piano are marked by the same looping style that characterized her son Nick's guitar work. Her daughter Gabrielle asserts that her mother's work is unquestionably a strong influence on Nick's work.

Woods in May
Molly Drake Lyrics

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Always in woods in May
There is a feeling
Something too long withheld will soon be playing
Woods in May
Sunlight of the rain
Always a secret on the tip of their tongue

Perhaps if we stand, very still, very long

We shall hear the sunlight

See the cuckoo′s song

Overall Meaning

Molly Drake's song Woods in May showcases her ability to evoke a vivid image of nature and the feeling that it brings along with it. The song is an ethereal piece that focuses on the woods in May, capturing the essence of the season with poetic lyrics. The first line "Always in woods in May" sets the scene for the rest of the song, describing the setting and establishing a recurring theme. The second line "There is a feeling" sets the ambiance, with the tone being almost dreamlike. The song builds up to the line "Something too long withheld will soon be playing," which has an air of mystery and anticipation.

The next stanza highlights the beauty of May, with "Sunlight of the rain" adding to the imagery of growth and hope. The last two lines "Always a secret on the tip of their tongue" add a subtle enigma that leaves the listener curious about what the secret might be. The final stanza "Perhaps if we stand, very still, very long / We shall hear the sunlight / See the cuckoo′s song" asks the listener to stop and appreciate the world around them. The song is a celebration of nature and all that it brings, and the simple message it conveys is to take a moment to appreciate the world around us.

Line by Line Meaning

Always in woods in May
Every May, I find myself drawn to the woods.

There is a feeling
I experience a strong emotion.

Something too long withheld will soon be playing
Something I have kept hidden for too long will soon be revealed or expressed.

Woods in May
The woods have a special significance to me during this month.

Sunlight of the rain
The sun shining through the rain creates a beautiful and unique atmosphere.

Always a secret on the tip of their tongue
There is always a secret or important information on the verge of being revealed.

Perhaps if we stand, very still, very long
Maybe we can hear or see something remarkable if we remain silent and still for a prolonged period of time.

We shall hear the sunlight
We might be able to hear the sounds and feel the warmth associated with the sun's rays.

See the cuckoo′s song
We might be able to witness the beautiful melody of the cuckoo bird.

Writer(s): Molly Drake

Contributed by Isaac D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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