29. Song—The Rigs o' Barley

Read '29. Song—The Rigs o' Barley' by 'Robert Burns' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

29. Song—The Rigs o' Barley by Robert Burns

 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 agreed
 To see me thro’ the barley.


Corn rigs, an’ barley rigs,
 An’ corn rigs are bonie:
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 ken’t her heart was a’ my ain;
 I lov’d her most sincerely;
I kiss’d her owre and owre again,
 Amang the rigs o’ barley.
 Corn rigs, an’ barley rigs, &c.


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.
 Corn rigs, an’ barley rigs, &c.


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.
 Corn rigs, an’ barley rigs, &c.

Form: Ballad Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace