367. Song—When she cam ben she bobbed

Read '367. Song—When she cam ben she bobbed' by 'Robert Burns' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

367. Song—When she cam ben she bobbed by Robert Burns

 O WHEN she cam’ ben she bobbed fu’ law,
 O when she cam’ ben she bobbed fu’ law,
And when she cam’ ben, she kiss’d Cockpen,
 And syne denied she did it at a’.


 And was na Cockpen right saucy witha’?
 And was na Cockpen right saucy witha’?
In leaving the daughter of a lord,
 And kissin’ a collier lassie an’ a’!


 O never look down, my lassie, at a’,
 O never look down, my lassie, at a’,
Thy lips are as sweet, and thy figure complete,
 As the finest dame in castle or ha’.


 Tho’ thou has nae silk, and holland sae sma’,
 Tho’ thou has nae silk, and holland sae sma’,
Thy coat and thy sark are thy ain handiwark,
 And lady Jean was never sae braw.

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