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Rigs o Barley / Corn Rigs

[ Roud 32476 ; Ballad Index DTcornri ; Robert Burns]

Emily Smith sang Robert Burns’ song Rigs o Barley in 2002 on her Foot Stompin’ CD A Day Like Today. She noted:

This is one of Robert Burns’ most well known songs. Given a new melody by Jamie [McClennan] and a tune by Ross [Ainslie] the song has been given a new lease of life but the sentiment remains the same.

Lyrics

Emily Smith sings Rigs o Barley

It was upon a Lammas night when corn rigs are bonnie o
Beneath the moon’s unclouded light I held awa tae Annie o
The time flew by wi’ tentless heid ’til ’tween the late and early o
Wi’ sma’ persuasion she agreed tae see me through the barley o

The sky was blue, the wind was still and the moon was shinin’ clearly o
I set her doon wi’ right good will amang the rigs o’ barley o
I kent her heart wis a’ my ain an’ I loved her most sincerely o
I kissed her o’er an’ o’er again amang the rigs o’ barley o

Chorus (twice after each verse):
Corn rigs an’ barley rigs, corn rigs are bonnie
I’ll ne’er forget that happy night amang the rigs wi’ Annie o

I locked her in my fond embrace and her heart was beatin’ rarely o
Ma blessin’s on that happy place amang the rigs o’ barley o
But by the moon and stars so bright that shone that hour so clearly o
She aye shall bless that happy night amang the rigs o’ barley o

I hae been blithe wi’ comrades dear and I hae been merry drinkin’ o
I hae been joyful gatherin’ fear and I hae been merry thinkin’ o
But a’ the pleasures e’er I saw though three times doubled fairly o
That happy night was worth them a’ amang the rigs o’ barley o