Strawbs version
The dancing plants grow low
Burning embers start to glow
The pictures soon will fade
Pictures that the flames have made
Your hazy, wistful face
Suddenly is gone without a trace
Chorus
Summer days I'll float downstream
Wondering where the day has been
Boats that sail away at night
Come the day
Have sailed far out of sight
Reminiscing summer walks
Empty glances, moonlit talks
Candyfloss and ice-cream cones
Discothèques and Rolling Stones
Passing fancies fly away
Empty shadows on a sunlit bay
(2x Chorus)
Fotheringay version
The dancing flames grow low
Burning embers start to glow
The pictures soon will fade
Pictures that the flames have made
Your hazy, wistful face
Suddenly is gone without a trace
Reminiscing summer walks
Empty glances, moonlit talks
Promises that mean so much
Broken with a single touch
Passing fancies fly away
Painting shadows on the sunlit bay
Chorus
Summer days I'll float downstream
Wondering where the day has been
Boats that sail away at night
Come the dawn
Have sailed far out of sight
Deserted evening warm and still
Strangers come and go at will
Driftwood on the silent shore
Laughter from an open door
Friendly faces once again
Come inside before it starts to rain
(Chorus)