I've always loved the songs and poetry of Robert Burns whom I also
regard as one of Scotland's earliest folklorists. His devotion to
preserving songs is much more deserving of our praise and gratitude
than the common criticism that he altered or 'improved' the texts.
So what! There are many versions of this very old song but I like
to sing the one that first drew me to Burns.
Summer's a pleasant time,
Floo'ers of every colour,
The water rins ower the heugh,
And I long for my true lover.
Aye waukin o, waukin aye an' wearie
Sleep I can get nane, for thinkin o' my dearie,
Aye waukin o.
When I sleep I dream,
When I wake I'm eerie,
Sleep I can get nane
For thinkin' o' my dearie.
Lanely night comes in,
A' the lave are sleepin',
I think o my bonnie lad,
And bleer my e'en wi greetin'.
