Poem Analysis - The Deils Awa Wi The Exciseman

A Jubilant Jig of Freedom

Robert Burns' "The Deil's awa wi' the Exciseman" is a boisterous and celebratory folk poem, overflowing with joyful defiance. The tone is overwhelmingly positive and gleeful, centered on the community's delight at the removal of an oppressive figure. The poem maintains a consistent mood of unrestrained glee, using repetition and lively imagery to amplify its message of liberation. It celebrates a moment of triumph over authority through a whimsical and fantastical scenario.

Whisky, Rebellion, and the Bard of Scotland

Robert Burns, often considered Scotland's national poet, lived and wrote during a time of significant tension between the common people and the government. The excise laws, which taxed goods like whisky, were deeply unpopular and seen as unfair burdens on the working class. Burns himself worked as an exciseman later in life, creating a complex relationship with the role satirized in this poem. Understanding this historical context allows us to see the poem not just as a simple celebration, but as a reflection of the widespread resentment towards governmental control and economic hardship experienced by many Scots.

Theme 1: Freedom from Oppression

The poem's central theme is undoubtedly freedom from oppressive authority. The "Exciseman" represents the unwelcome intrusion of the government into the lives and livelihoods of the people. His removal, symbolized by being "danc'd awa wi' th' Deil," signifies the removal of this oppressive force. The lines "We'll mak our maut, and we'll brew our drink, / We'll laugh, sing, and rejoice, man" highlight the newfound liberty to pursue their own interests and pleasures without fear of intervention. This sense of liberation is amplified through celebratory pronouncements.

Theme 2: Subversion of Authority

Closely linked to freedom is the theme of subversion of authority. By portraying the devil as the agent of the exciseman's removal, Burns cleverly inverts traditional morality. The devil, typically a symbol of evil, becomes a figure of liberation and even gratitude ("mony braw thanks to the meikle black deil"). This subversion suggests that the exciseman's actions were so reprehensible that even the devil is doing the community a favor by taking him away. This presents a powerful challenge to the established order, even if in jest.

Theme 3: Communal Joy

The poem is filled with a sense of communal joy and celebration. The repeated refrain reinforces the shared experience of relief and happiness. The references to "threesome reels, there's foursome reels, / There's hornpipes and strathspeys" paint a vivid picture of a community coming together to celebrate their newfound freedom through dance and music. The repeated exclamation "man" also fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared experience among the community. This collective rejoicing underscores the importance of unity in resisting oppressive forces.

The Devil's Dance: A Symbol of Rebellion

The image of the devil "danc'd awa wi' th' Exciseman" is a powerful and recurring symbol in the poem. The dance itself represents the joyful and energetic act of rebellion. The devil, as noted earlier, is not portrayed as a malevolent force, but as a catalyst for change. The phrase suggests that the community is actively celebrating and participating in the removal of the exciseman, rather than simply being passive observers. It could be argued that the devil acts as a scapegoat for what is, in reality, their own resistance.

A Timeless Expression of Resistance

In conclusion, "The Deil's awa wi' the Exciseman" is more than just a lighthearted folk song. It's a potent expression of resistance against unjust authority, fueled by a deep-seated desire for freedom and community. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the joy of liberation and its clever subversion of traditional power structures. It reminds us that even in the face of oppression, there is always room for celebration and the hope for a better future. It remains relevant as a joyful cry against any form of authority that infringes upon individual or community liberty.