Lady Onlie, Honest Lucky
written in 1787
Lady Onlie, Honest Lucky - meaning Summary
Local Praise and Conviviality
This short, jovial lyric praises Lady Onlie, a popular alehouse keeper on the shore of Bucky. In plain, dialectal lines the speaker urges locals to drop in for a pint, celebrates the quality of her ale, and notes the tidy house and warm hearth. The repeated refrain gives it a sing-song, communal feel suited to performance. The poem presents a compact portrait of local hospitality and good cheer, using everyday detail to admire a workingwoman’s competence and the social life centered on her tavern.
Read Complete AnalysesA' The lads o' Thornie-bank When they gae to the shore o' Bucky, They'll step in and tak a pint Wi' Lady Onlie, honest lucky. Lady Onlie, honest lucky, Brews gude ale at shore o' Bucky; I wish her sale for her gude ale, The best on a' the shore o' Bucky. Her house sae bien, her church sae clean, I wat she is a daintie Chuckie! And cheery blinks the ingle-gleede O' Lady Onlie, honest lucky. Lady Onlie, honest lucky, Brews gude ale at shore o' Bucky; I wish her sale for her gude ale, The best on a' the shore o' Bucky.
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