Awa' Aff the River Shore

Awa' oan the Firth of Forth, 
high oan the famous brig', 
a laboring lad toils tirelessly 
in the cauld and bitter wind.

Awa' aff the river shore, 
a braw lassie waits for him, 
scourin' and roastin' tatties 
in a bonny wee but and ben.

The carls would hae him drinkin',
The cummers would pay him 'ahind the door,
but he oany has wan thing oan his mind
and she's awa' aff the river shore.



*Translation*

Away on the Firth of Forth,
high on the famous bridge,
a laboring lad toils tirelessly
in the cold and bitter wind.

Away off the river shore,
a braw lassie waits for him,
scouring and roasting tatties
in a bonny wee but and ben.

The carls would have him drinking,
the cummers would pay him behind the door,
but he only has one thing on his mind
and she's away off the river shore.


Glossary of terms:

* the Firth of Forth is the estuary of the River Forth in Scotland
   braw means fine looking
   tatties are potatoes
   bonny means pretty or handsome
   a but and ben is a modest two room cottage consisting of a kitchen and a main room
   a carl is a laboring man
   a cummer is a woman of questionable moral character
   to pay behind the door is to engage in sexual activity as a form of 'payment' for favors, services, or goods.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2010



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Date: 1/16/2013 2:51:00 PM
wow, the most useful translation was the final part where you told me the meanings of tatties, carl, cummer and pay behind the door!! GREAT writing.
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Date: 10/6/2010 6:09:00 AM
Both verses fulfill the contest requirements VERY well, this one is simpler for MOST readers to get. Me I love words the more the better & the site will allow only 1 entry, you need to pick my friend it wouldn't be fair for me to pick ;) Light & Love
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Date: 10/1/2010 8:02:00 AM
Ahhhhhhh jest wut 'e want'd fer me contest! Please enter this gem! Light & Love
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Date: 9/8/2010 2:38:00 PM
Hi again Thvia :) well I sure do wish you'd write more of these-- it is definitely a joy to read! I think it's awesome that you get to share bits and pieces of Scotland through your writes-- it's really enlightening-- it's truly a wonderful write :) nikko :)
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Date: 9/8/2010 2:13:00 PM
Aww thanks to the three of you, I had more fun writing this wee glimpse of Scotland than I have with any other piece I've penned. Ever. I appreciate everyone's kind indulgence.
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Date: 9/8/2010 12:04:00 PM
Thvia it is a beautiful write my friend.. enjoyed the beginning lines on one and two verse and the change up on three... could feel the cold and wind... lovely piece.. enjoyed with luv..
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Date: 9/8/2010 10:09:00 AM
What a delightful poem, Thvia! Love can be all consuming and he could think of nothing but her as he toiled on the opposite side of the river. Enjoyed very much! Love, Carolyn
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Date: 9/8/2010 9:48:00 AM
The slang is great and works effectively to make the pathos real. I love it, it is a beautiful poem and you a peerless talent.
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