31. Song—My Nanie O!

Read '31. Song—My Nanie O!' by 'Robert Burns' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

31. Song—My Nanie O! by Robert Burns

 BEHIND yon hills where Lugar flows,
 ’Mang moors an’ mosses many, O,
The wintry sun the day has clos’d,
 And I’ll awa to Nanie, O.


The westlin wind blaws loud an’ shill;
 The night’s baith mirk and rainy, O;
But I’ll get my plaid an’ out I’ll steal,
 An’ owre the hill to Nanie, O.


My Nanie’s charming, sweet, an’ young;
 Nae artfu’ wiles to win ye, O:
May ill befa’ the flattering tongue
 That wad beguile my Nanie, O.


Her face is fair, her heart is true;
 As spotless as she’s bonie, O:
The op’ning gowan, wat wi’ dew,
 Nae purer is than Nanie, O.


A country lad is my degree,
 An’ few there be that ken me, O;
But what care I how few they be,
 I’m welcome aye to Nanie, O.


My riches a’s my penny-fee,
 An’ I maun guide it cannie, O;
But warl’s gear ne’er troubles me,
 My thoughts are a’ my Nanie, O.


Our auld guidman delights to view
 His sheep an’ kye thrive bonie, O;
But I’m as blythe that hands his pleugh,
 An’ has nae care but Nanie, O.


Come weel, come woe, I care na by;
 I’ll tak what Heav’n will sen’ me, O:
Nae ither care in life have I,
 But live, an’ love my Nanie, O

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