The White Cockade
written in 1790
The White Cockade - fact Summary
White Cockade as Jacobite Emblem
Robert Burns’s 1790 song presents a young woman pledging to follow her beloved because he wears the "White Cockade," a political badge. The speaker praises his looks and roving spirit, vows marriage despite uncertainty, and even offers to sell possessions to buy a tartan to join him. The poem blends courtship and popular melody with a clear political signifier, linking personal devotion to public allegiance and suggesting support for the Jacobite cause in a concise, lively lyric.
Read Complete AnalysesMy love was born in Aberdeen, The boniest lad that e'er was seen; But now he makes our hearts fu' sad - He takes the field wi' his White Cockade. O, he's a ranting, roving lad! He is a brisk an' a bonie lad! Betide what may, I will be wed, And follow the boy wi' the White Cockade! I'll sell my rock, my reel, my tow, My guid gray mare and hawkit cow, To buy mysel a tartan plaid, To follow the boy wi' the White Cockade. O, he's a ranting, roving lad! He is a brisk an' a bonie lad! Betide what may, I will be wed, And follow the boy wi' the White Cockade!
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