The Beauties of Burn's Poems/The Rigs o' Barley

by Robert Burns (1759-1796)

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

SONG,

Tune—Corn-Rigs are bonny.

It was upon a Lammas night,
When corn-rigs are bonny,
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 agreed
To see me thro' the barley.
The sky was blue, the wind was still,
The moon was shining clearly,
I set her down, wi' right gude-will,
Amang the rigs o' barley.
I kent her heart was a' my ain;
I lov'd her most sincerely:
I kiss'd her o'er and o'er again,
Amang the rigs o' barley.
I lock'd her in my fond embrace;
Her heart was beatin' rarely;
My blessing on that happy place,
Amang the rigs o' barley.
But by the moon and stars so bright,
That shone that hour sae 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' gath'rin gear,
I hae been happy thinkin;
But a' the pleasures e'er I saw,
Tho' three times doubled fairly,
That happy night was worth them a',
Amang the rigs o' barley.

CHORUS.

Corn-rigs, and barley-rigs,
And corn-rigs are bonny:
I'll ne'er forget that happy night,
Amang the rigs wi' Annie.