The Linnet (1819, Falkirk)/My Nanny O

by Robert Burns (1759-1796)

For other versions of this work, see My Nannie, O.

MY NANNY O.

 

Behind yon hill where Stinchar flows,'mang muir and mosse mony O,The wintry sun the day has clos'dand I'll awa' to Nanny O.The whistling wind blow loud and shrill,the night's baith mirk and rainy O;But I'll get my plaid, and cut I'll steal,and o'er the hill to Nanny O

My Nanny's charming, sweet and young,nae artful wiles to win ye O;May all befa' the flattering tonguethat wad beguile my Nanny O.Her face is fair, her heart is true,as spotless at she's bonny O:The opening gowan, wet wi' dew,nae purer is than Nanny O.

A country lad is my degree,an' few they be that ken me O;But what care I how few they be,I'm welcome to my Nanny O. My riches a's my penny fee,and I maun guide it canny O;Bur wardly gear ne'er troubles me,my thoughts are a' my Nanny O.

Our auld gudeman delights to viewhis sheep and kyne thrive bonny O;But I'm as blyth that hauds his plough,and hae nae care but Nanny O.Come weel, come wae, I carena by,I'll tak what Heaven will send me O.Nae ither care in life hae I,but live and love my Nanny O.

 

Divider from 'The Linnet', a chapbook printed in Falkirk in 1819