My Harry Was a Gallant Gay
written in 1787
My Harry Was a Gallant Gay - meaning Summary
Longing for a Lost Lover
The speaker mourns the exile of her lover, Harry, who once strode proudly but has been sent away. She expresses persistent longing and sorrow, repeating a chorus that she would trade all of Knockhaspie’s land to have him back. Nights are sleepless; she wanders the glen and weeps until morning. At times she wishes harsh justice on unnamed villains as if their punishment might restore Harry. The poem channels simple, direct feeling: steady yearning, imagined remedies, and the speaker’s helplessness in the face of enforced separation.
Read Complete AnalysesMy Harry was a gallant gay, Fu' stately strade he on the plain; But now he's banish far awa, I'll never see him back again. O for him back again, O for him back again, I wad gie a' Knockhaspie's land For Highland Harry back again. When a' the lave gae to their bed, I wander dowie up the glen; I set me down and greet my fill, And ay I wish him back again, O for him back again, O for him back again, I wad gie a' Knockhaspie's land For Highland Harry back again. O were some villains hangit high, And ilka body had their ain! Then I might see the joyfu' sight, My Highlan Harry back again. O for him back again, O for him back again, I wad gie a' Knockhaspie's land For Highland Harry back again.
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