John Anderson my Jo/It Was Upon a Lammas Light

by Robert Burns (1759-1796)

For other versions of this work, see It was upon a Lammas night.

IT WAS UPON A LAMMAS NIGHT.

It was upon a Lammas night,
When corn rigs are bonny,
Beneath the moon’s unclouded light,
I hied awa’ to Annie;
The time flew by wi’ tentless head,
Till ’tween the late and early:
Wi’ sma’ persuasion she agreed
To see me thro’ the barley.
O corn rigs and barley rigs,
An’ corn rigs are bonny:
I’ll ne’er forget that happy night
Amang the rigs wi’ Annie.

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 kent her heart was a’ my ain,
I loe’d her most sincerely;
I kiss’d her owre and owre again,
Amang the rigs o’ barley!

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 night,
Amang the rigs o’ barley.

I hae been blythe wi’ comrades dear,
I hae been merry drinkin’;
I hae been joyfu' gathering gear,
I hae been happy thinkin;
But of a’ the pleasures e’er I saw,
Tho’ three times doubled fairly,
That happy night was worth them a’,
Amang the rigs o’ barley.