Saw Ye My Phely
written in 1794
Saw Ye My Phely - context Summary
Composed in 1794
This short Scots lyric, dated 1794, presents a speaker asking after and lamenting Phely, a woman who has left him for a new love. The voice is direct and conversational, using repeated questions and a simple refrain to convey hurt, betrayal and resignation. Its plain diction and steady repetition suggest a songlike, oral origin rather than an elaborate philosophical meditation. The poem captures a moment of personal loss: the lover’s disbelief turns to acceptance as he recognizes that Phely has "forgot" and "disowns" him.
Read Complete AnalysesO Saw ye my dearie, my Phely? O saw ye my dearie, my Phely? She's down i' the grove, she's wi' a new Love, She winna come hame to her Willy. What says she, my dearest, my Phely? What says she, my dearest, my Phely? She lets thee to wit that she has thee forgot, And for ever disowns thee her Willy. O had I ne'er seen thee, my Phely! O had I ne'er seen thee, my Phley! As light as the air, and fause as thou's fair, Thou's broken the heart o' thy Willy.
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