Highland Laddie
written in 1796
Highland Laddie - context Summary
Composed 1796 in Scotland
Written in 1796, Robert Burns' "Highland Laddie" is a short, dialogic song celebrating Scottish regional identity and loyalty. Two voices—She, praising a Highland lad’s appearance and courage, and He, answering with martial language that links the Lawland lassie to duty, honour and fighting for king and freedom—sketch contrasting gendered and regional roles. The poem functions as a patriotic popular song, drawing on Highland dress and military imagery to affirm cultural pride and steadfastness rather than introspective reflection.
Read Complete AnalysesSHE The bonniest lad that e'er I saw, Bonie laddie, Highland laddie, Wore a plaid and was fu' braw, Bonie Highland laddie. On his head a bonnet blue - Bonie laddie, Highland laddie, His royal heart was firm and true, Bonie Highland laddie. HE Trumpets sound and cannons roar, Bonie lassie, Lawland lassie, And a' the hills wi' echoes roar, Bonie Lawland lassie. Glory, Honour, now invite Bonie lassie, Lawland lassie, For freedom and my King to fight, Bonie Lawland lassie. SHE The sun a backward course shall take, Bonie laddie, Highland laddie, Ere ought thy manly courage shake; Bonie Highland laddie. Go, for yoursel procure renown, Bonie laddie, Highland laddie, And for your lawful King his crown, Bonie Highland laddie.
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