I Rede You Beware O' the Ripples
I Rede You Beware O' the Ripples - meaning Summary
Cautionary Thrift and Restraint
Burns addresses a young man with repeated warnings about small, seductive dangers—"ripples"—that lead to excess. The poem advises moderation in pleasures (music, riding, dancing) and cautious generosity: give less than you can to increase reputation. The tone is plain, jocular admonition: practical rules for avoiding social or moral trouble through restraint and measured behaviour. The repeated warning frames each example, turning particular temptations into a general maxim about self-control and reputation for a young person entering adult life.
Read Complete AnalysesI rede you beware o' the ripples, young man, I rede you beware o' the ripples, young man; Tho' the saddle be saft, ye needna ride aft, For fear that the girdin' beguile ye, young man. I rede you beware o' the ripples, young man, I rede you beware o' the ripples, young man; Tho' music be pleasure, tak' music in measure, Or ye may want win i' your whistle, young man. I rede you beware o' the ripples, young man, I rede you beware o' the ripples, young man; Whate'er ye bestow, do less than ye dow, The mair will be thought o' your kindness, young man. I rede you beware o' the ripples, young man, I rede you beware o' the ripples, young man; Gif you wad be strang, and wish to live lang, Dance less wi' your arse to the kipples, young man.
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