first of May

[Nefertiti]

Hi there.

" someone else moved in from far away"
1. Does this 'someone' play an important role? Please explain.

" but guess who'll cry come first of May."
2. What's the subject associated with the verb 'come'?


Thanks,


The Song

 

[Anglika]

#1 Who knows - but since the person seems to have replaced "you", then probably yes.

#2 "come first of May" = inversion and abbreviation of "When the first of May comes".

 

[Nefertiti]

Hi Anglika.

Thanks for the answer.
________


I have one more question to ask.

3. "and you don't ask the time of day"
What does the quote mean in the song?

Thanks,

 

[Anglika]

Basically "to pass the time of day" means to speak to someone, so the song is saying the other person is no longer speaking to the singer - he ignores her when they meat.

 

[Nefertiti]

Hi Anglika.

"and you don't ask the time of day"
I still don't understand the verse. Please explain.

Thanks,

Note: It's 'ask' rather than 'pass'.

 

[Anglika]

My interpretation is that the couple have grown apart as they grow up, and he no longer speaks to her ["ask the time of day" really means the same as "pass the time of day" - both are indicating communication], though she still feels strong feelings for him.

As so often with this kind of song, the syntax makes interpretation difficult since the writer is fitting words to music.