'You're as Welcome as the Flow'rs in May'

The song, "You're as Welcome as the Flow'rs in May," was written (words and music) by Dan J. Sullivan in the early 20th century. Two other songs written entirely by Sullivan are "When the Roses Fade Away" (1905) and "Obridiah McIntire" (1908). Sullivan collaborated with Chauncey Olcott in 1907 to write "One Sweet Little Girl."

Many chapters use "You're as Welcome as the Flow'rs in May" as a song to greet men who are visiting a chapter meeting, usually sung just after the names of visitors are announced.

Actually, the song was written with an entirely different concept. It was the thoughts of a young man who had left home and if he could see his dear, old mother again, what she might be saying to him:

Last night I dreamed a sweet, sweet dream: I thought I saw my home, sweet home, And, oh, how grand it all did seem. I made a vow no more to roam. By the dear, old village church I strolled, While the bell in the steeple sadly tolled, I saw my daddy - old and gray; I heard my dear, old mother say: You're as welcome, etc.

As was often the case in that era, the song's verse is about twice the length of the chorus. It is song #26 in SPEBSQSA's library, and was arranged circa 1959 by Phil Embury.