10 Songs About May

As someone who has lived through countless Mays, I can attest to the magic this month holds. There’s something about May that stirs the soul – perhaps it’s the promise of summer on the horizon, or the way nature bursts into full bloom. Whatever it is, May has inspired musicians for generations, capturing their imaginations and finding its way into countless lyrics and melodies.

Here, I’ve curated a list of 10 songs that capture the essence of May in all its glory. These tracks span genres and decades, each offering a unique perspective on this magical month.

1. “The First of May” by Bee Gees

“The First of May” is a nostalgic and heartfelt song by the Bee Gees, released in 1969 as part of their album Odessa. Written by Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb, the song is a reflection on the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of childhood memories and young love. The lyrics recount the simple joys of youth, such as playing under Christmas trees and the innocence of first love, juxtaposed with the inevitable changes brought by time. The chorus, “Now we are tall, and Christmas trees are small,” poignantly captures the fleeting nature of these moments. Interestingly, the song is also said to reference the birthday of Barry Gibb’s dog, adding another layer of personal sentiment to its meaning.

2. “Month of May” by Arcade Fire

“Month of May” by Arcade Fire is a powerful and energetic track from their 2010 album The Suburbs. The song encapsulates the chaotic energy and emotional turbulence of youth, using the month of May as a metaphor for a time of renewal and upheaval. The lyrics describe May as a “violent thing” that brings both destruction and new beginnings, symbolized by the “violent wind” that blows away the wires, representing societal constraints. The song’s driving rhythm and aggressive tone reflect the band’s intent to capture the raw, unfiltered experiences of young people. Themes of resistance, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life are prevalent throughout the song, making it a compelling anthem for embracing the chaos and potential of youth.

3. “May 16” by Lagwagon

“May 16” by Lagwagon is a poignant punk rock song from their 1998 album Hoss. Written by vocalist Joey Cape, the song is a tribute to his late friend and bandmate, Chris Lewis, who passed away in 1997. The lyrics reflect on grief, remembrance, and the enduring impact of loss, with the date “May 16” symbolizing a significant anniversary or birthday. The chorus, “May 16, I’ll be there,” serves as a promise to never forget the departed, turning the date into a mantra of remembrance. Despite its introspective and somber theme, the song’s melodic punk elements and driving rhythm make it an uplifting tribute to lost loved ones, emphasizing the importance of cherishing memories and holding onto the connections we have.

4. “May Queen” by Liz Phair

“May Queen” by Liz Phair is a track from her 1994 album Whip-Smart. The song features Phair’s signature blend of sharp lyrics and rock-infused melodies. The lyrics describe a “rock and roll Ken doll” and the superficiality of certain relationships, with the “May Queen” symbolizing a figure of fleeting beauty and status. The song’s chorus, “I spy a May queen,” highlights the transient nature of such admiration and the disillusionment that often follows. Phair’s candid and introspective writing style is evident in this track, which critiques societal expectations and the ephemeral nature of popularity. The song remains a favorite among fans for its witty and incisive commentary on the complexities of relationships and self-perception.

5. “Maybe Next May” by Secrets

“Maybe Next May” by Secrets is an emotionally charged post-hardcore track from their 2012 album The Ascent. The song delves into themes of love, betrayal, and longing. The lyrics express the pain of unrequited love and the struggle to move on from a relationship that has ended. The recurring line, “This heart is yours so take it as you please, but if you walk away, remember I need that heart to breathe,” underscores the deep emotional dependency and vulnerability of the narrator. The song captures the turmoil of a relationship marred by conflicting emotions and the difficulty of letting go. Its intense vocal delivery and dynamic instrumentation reflect the raw, visceral nature of the emotions being conveyed.

6. “End of May” by Michael Bublé

“End of May” by Michael Bublé is a poignant ballad that was originally written by Tim Seely and first released by the band Willis in 1996. Bublé’s version, included in the Crazy Love (Hollywood Edition) album released in 2010, retains the song’s melancholic tone and introspective lyrics. The song reflects on the end of a relationship, using the metaphor of May ending to symbolize the conclusion of a significant chapter in life. The lyrics convey a sense of sorrow and reflection, with lines like “The end of May, and now you’re gone” highlighting the finality and emotional weight of the breakup. Bublé’s smooth vocal delivery and the song’s gentle arrangement create a deeply moving listening experience, making it a standout track for those reflecting on lost love and the passage of time.

7. “May Queen” by Heather Dale

“May Queen” by Heather Dale is a folk-inspired song from her 2003 album May Queen. The song is written from the perspective of Lancelot as he first meets Guenevere, exploring themes of unrequited love and inner conflict. The lyrics describe Lancelot’s admiration for Guenevere and his understanding of why his friend, King Arthur, loves her. Despite his feelings, Lancelot acknowledges that their love will never be his, leading to a sense of bittersweet acceptance. The imagery of the “May Queen” symbolizes Guenevere’s beauty and grace, as well as the fleeting nature of such admiration. The song’s narrative style and lyrical depth offer a rich, emotional portrayal of legendary characters and their complex relationships.

8. “5 Days in May” by Blue Rodeo

“5 Days in May” by Blue Rodeo is a reflective and evocative song from their 1993 album Five Days in July. Written by band members Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor, the song combines personal anecdotes and vivid storytelling. The narrative weaves together a few different stories, including a romantic encounter during a hurricane and a touching ritual observed by their soundman, Kenny, who writes his name in the sand at every beach he visits to honor his wife. The lyrics capture the essence of newfound love and the sense of familiarity that comes with it. The song’s warm, acoustic sound and heartfelt lyrics convey a sense of optimism and resilience, emphasizing how life has a way of setting things right, even after difficult times.

9. “Early Morning May” by Ronald Jenkees

“Early Morning May” by Ronald Jenkees is an instrumental track that showcases the artist’s unique blend of electronic and jazz influences. Known for his improvisational style and distinctive sound, Jenkees creates a piece that evokes the fresh, hopeful feeling of an early morning in May. The track features intricate keyboard melodies and rhythmic beats that build a serene and uplifting atmosphere. Although it lacks lyrics, the music itself conveys a narrative of renewal and the promise of a new day, making it a fitting addition to a playlist celebrating the month of May.

10. “The May Queen” by Robert Plant

“The May Queen” by Robert Plant is a lush, acoustic track from his 2017 album Carry Fire. The song’s title references a line from Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” where Plant sings, “It’s just a spring clean for the May queen”. In this context, the May Queen symbolizes renewal and the cyclical nature of life. Plant has mentioned that the song reflects the optimism and sense of new beginnings that come with the start of the year. Musically, “The May Queen” blends folk-rock elements with modern touches, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and contemporary. The lyrics and melody evoke a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world, making it a beautiful and introspective piece that fits well within the theme of May.

Submit Your Song to This Playlist

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Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.