When the snow has left the hollows
And the birds are flying North,
When the winds are warm with April and the rain,
Oh, it's then the footsteps falter and the weary eyesight follows
The ways that to the wilderness lead forth.

Then the heart longs for the river
With its chanting choral song
And the chain of inland waters without end.
Oh, it's then the pulses quicken and the nerves are all aquiver
To take the trail and trek among the strong.

And the fellowship of faring
Is the lure that wills you on
With the call to which you never answer no.
So it's then you'll take the highroad and the free road, never caring,
And life will lead you out to meet the dawn.

When the wilderness is calling
To the broad, untrodden floor,
And the heart responds with fervor to the wind,
Oh, it's then you'll sing the trek song, to the lilt of water falling,
And Wanderlust will open wide the door.