There are several melodies for this. We use Joan Baez’s. You can hear her perform it on youtube.
The original first line is “May God bless and keep you always”. We’ve done this as “May good fortune find you always” and “May you always find good fortune”. The latter is more grammatical, and the inversion is not really poetically appropriate, but the former fits the original rhythm better.
May you always find good fortune
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay...
....forever young
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay...
....forever young
Forever young...
Forever young...
May you stay...
....forever young
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
And may you stay...
....forever young
(Repeat Chorus and Retardando at end)
