A Portrait of Robert Burns Robert Burns

1783 · Song

The Rigs o’ Barley


Tune ·  Corn Rigs are bonie

It was upon a Lammas night,When corn rigs are bonie,Beneath the moon’s unclouded light,I held awa to Annie;The time flew by, wi’ tentless heed,Till, ’tween the late and early,Wi’ sma’ persuasion she agreedTo see me thro’ the barley.8

Chorus

Corn rigs, an’ barley rigs,An’ corn rigs are bonie:I’ll ne’er forget that happy night,Amang the rigs wi’ Annie.12
The sky was blue, the wind was still,The moon was shining clearly;I set her down, wi’ right good will,Amang the rigs o’ barley:I ken’t her heart was a’ my ain;I lov’d her most sincerely;18
I kiss’d her owre and owre again,Amang the rigs o’ barley.20

Chorus

Corn rigs, an’ barley rigs,An’ corn rigs are bonie:I’ll ne’er forget that happy night,Amang the rigs wi’ Annie.24
I lock’d her in my fond embrace;Her heart was beating rarely:My blessings on that happy place,Amang the rigs o’ barley!But by the moon and stars so bright,That shone that hour so clearly!She aye shall bless that happy nightAmang the rigs o’ barley.32

Chorus

Corn rigs, an’ barley rigs,An’ corn rigs are bonie:I’ll ne’er forget that happy night,Amang the rigs wi’ Annie.36
I hae been blythe wi’ comrades dear;I hae been merry drinking;I hae been joyfu’ gath’rin gear;I hae been happy thinking:But a’ the pleasures e’er I saw,Tho’ three times doubl’d fairly,That happy night was worth them a’,Amang the rigs o’ barley.44

Chorus

Corn rigs, an’ barley rigs,An’ corn rigs are bonie:I’ll ne’er forget that happy night,Amang the rigs wi’ Annie.48
Year
1783
Form
Song
Location
Lochlea
Tune
Corn Rigs are bonie
Source
Project Gutenberg #1279 — Poems and Songs of Robert Burns