'O Tibbie, I Hae Seen The Day' by Robert Burns


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Tune - "Invercauld's Reel, or Strathspey."

Choir. - O Tibbie, I hae seen the day,
Ye wadna been sae shy;
For laik o' gear ye lightly me,
But, trowth, I care na by.

Yestreen I met you on the moor,
Ye spak na, but gaed by like stour;
Ye geck at me because I'm poor,
But fient a hair care I.
O Tibbie, I hae seen the day, &c.

When coming hame on Sunday last,
Upon the road as I cam past,
Ye snufft and ga'e your head a cast-
But trowth I care't na by.
O Tibbie, I hae seen the day, &c.

I doubt na, lass, but ye may think,
Because ye hae the name o' clink,
That ye can please me at a wink,
Whene'er ye like to try.
O Tibbie, I hae seen the day, &c.

But sorrow tak' him that's sae mean,
Altho' his pouch o' coin were clean,
Wha follows ony saucy quean,
That looks sae proud and high.
O Tibbie, I hae seen the day, &c.

Altho' a lad were e'er sae smart,
If that he want the yellow dirt,
Ye'll cast your head anither airt,
And answer him fu' dry.
O Tibbie, I hae seen the day, &c.

But, if he hae the name o' gear,
Ye'll fasten to him like a brier,
Tho' hardly he, for sense or lear,
Be better than the kye.
O Tibbie, I hae seen the day, &c.

But, Tibbie, lass, tak' my advice:
Your daddie's gear maks you sae nice;
The deil a ane wad speir your price,
Were ye as poor as I.
O Tibbie, I hae seen the day, &c.

There lives a lass beside yon park,
I'd rather hae her in her sark,
Than you wi' a' your thousand mark;
That gars you look sae high.
O Tibbie, I hae seen the day, &c.

Editor 1 Interpretation

O Tibbie, I Hae Seen The Day: A Deep Dive into Robert Burns' Classic Poetry

Oh, Robert Burns! What can we say about this legendary Scottish poet that hasn't already been said? His work continues to inspire and move us centuries after he wrote them. One of his most famous works is "O Tibbie, I Hae Seen The Day," a poem that speaks of nostalgia and longing for days gone by. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the themes, language, and structure of this classic poem.

Background

Before we dive into the poem itself, let's take a brief moment to learn a little more about Robert Burns and his work. Burns was born in 1759 in Ayrshire, Scotland, to a poor family of farmers. Despite his humble beginnings, he became one of the most famous poets of his time, known for his lyrical and emotional writing style. He often wrote about love, nature, and his experiences growing up in Scotland.

"O Tibbie, I Hae Seen The Day" was first published in 1792 in the Kilmarnock edition of Burns' works. It is a song, meant to be sung to a tune called "My Nannie, O." The poem speaks of a man's memories of a woman he used to love, Tibbie. The speaker reflects on the past and longs for the days when they were together.

Themes

The central theme of the poem is nostalgia, a longing for the past. The speaker reminisces about his past with Tibbie, remembering the good times they shared. He longs for those times to return, and for Tibbie to be with him once again. The poem speaks to the human desire to hold onto memories of happier times, to seek comfort in the past when the present is difficult.

Another theme present in the poem is loss. The speaker has lost Tibbie, and with her, a part of himself. He mourns the loss of their relationship and the happiness that came with it. The poem speaks to the pain of losing someone we love, and the struggle to move on.

Finally, there is a theme of regret in the poem. The speaker regrets the mistakes he made in the past that led to the end of his relationship with Tibbie. He wishes he could go back and make things right, to have a chance to be with her again. The poem speaks to the human desire for second chances, to make amends for mistakes and to right wrongs.

Language

Burns' use of language in this poem is lyrical and emotional. He employs a variety of poetic devices to create a sense of nostalgia and loss. One of the most prominent devices he uses is imagery. He describes Tibbie's beauty and character in vivid detail, painting a picture of a woman the speaker loved deeply. For example, he describes her eyes as "bright as ony lambie" and her hair as "like the morning's sunny beam."

Another device Burns uses is repetition. The phrase "O Tibbie, I hae seen the day" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's longing for the past. The repetition creates a sense of rhythm and melody, making the poem sound like a song. This is appropriate, given that the poem is meant to be sung.

Finally, Burns uses dialect to add authenticity to the poem. The poem is written in Scottish dialect, giving it a unique flavor and allowing the reader to experience Scottish culture and language. The dialect also adds to the emotional impact of the poem, making it feel more personal and intimate.

Structure

The poem is structured as a song, with four stanzas and a chorus. Each stanza has four lines, with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The chorus, "O Tibbie, I hae seen the day," is repeated after each stanza. The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward, emphasizing the emotional content of the lyrics.

The use of a chorus is a common feature of Scottish folk songs, and adds to the poem's musicality. The chorus reinforces the theme of nostalgia, reminding the listener that the speaker is reflecting on the past. The repetition of the chorus also creates a sense of unity throughout the poem, tying the stanzas together.

Interpretation

So, what does "O Tibbie, I Hae Seen The Day" mean? Ultimately, the poem is about the human experience of loss and regret. The speaker longs for a time when he was happy, and for a person he loved deeply. He regrets the actions that led to their separation, and wishes he could go back and make things right. The poem speaks to the universal human experience of wishing things could be different, of longing for what we can no longer have.

At the same time, the poem is suffused with a sense of hope. The speaker's memories of Tibbie are happy ones, and he holds onto them even in the face of loss. He longs for a second chance with Tibbie, and this desire for redemption is a powerful force throughout the poem. In this way, the poem speaks to the human capacity for resilience and hope, even in the face of great loss.

Conclusion

"O Tibbie, I Hae Seen The Day" is a powerful expression of human longing and regret. Burns' use of language and structure creates a sense of nostalgia and loss, while also imbuing the poem with a sense of hope. The poem speaks to the universal human experience of wanting what we can no longer have, while also reminding us of our capacity for resilience and hope. It is a testament to Burns' skill as a poet, and to the enduring power of his work.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry O Tibbie, I Hae Seen The Day: A Masterpiece by Robert Burns

Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland, is known for his exceptional contribution to Scottish literature. His poems and songs are still popular among people of all ages and backgrounds. One of his most famous works is "O Tibbie, I Hae Seen The Day," a poem that has stood the test of time and continues to be celebrated for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth.

The poem is a tribute to Tibbie Dunbar, a woman who was once the object of Burns' affection. The poem is written in the form of a conversation between Burns and Tibbie, where he reminisces about the days when they were young and in love. The poem is a reflection on the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitability of aging.

The poem begins with Burns addressing Tibbie, "O Tibbie, I hae seen the day, Ye wadna been sae shy." The opening lines of the poem set the tone for what is to come. Burns is addressing Tibbie, who he once knew intimately, but who has now become distant and reserved. He is reminiscing about the days when Tibbie was more open and free-spirited, and he is trying to recapture that spirit.

The poem is filled with vivid imagery that captures the essence of the Scottish countryside. Burns describes the "banks o' Clyde" and the "bonnie woods o' Craigielee," painting a picture of a beautiful and idyllic landscape. The imagery is not just decorative, but it serves a purpose in the poem. The natural beauty of the Scottish countryside is a metaphor for the beauty of youth, which is fleeting and can never be recaptured.

The poem is also filled with references to Scottish culture and history. Burns mentions the "auld clay biggin" and the "auld kirk-yard," which are both symbols of Scotland's rich cultural heritage. The poem is a celebration of Scottish identity and a reminder of the importance of preserving it.

The poem is also notable for its use of dialect. Burns wrote in the Scottish dialect, which was not commonly used in literature at the time. His use of dialect was a deliberate choice, as he wanted to capture the essence of Scottish culture and language. The use of dialect also adds to the poem's authenticity and makes it more relatable to Scottish readers.

The poem's central theme is the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. Burns laments the fact that Tibbie has grown old and that their youth has passed them by. He says, "But twenty years sin syne hae run, Wi' tentless speed alang." The passage of time is portrayed as a relentless force that cannot be stopped or slowed down. The poem is a reminder that life is short and that we should cherish the time we have.

The poem is also a reflection on the nature of love. Burns acknowledges that his love for Tibbie has faded over time, but he still remembers the passion and intensity of their youth. He says, "But oh! If he wha wrote the lass, Had in creation seen her, He'd aither gien her youthfu' bloom, Or auld age never seen her." Burns is saying that if he had seen Tibbie in her youth, he would have been even more in love with her. The poem is a reminder that love is not just about physical attraction, but it is also about emotional connection and shared experiences.

In conclusion, "O Tibbie, I Hae Seen The Day" is a masterpiece of Scottish literature. It is a celebration of Scottish culture and identity, a reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of aging, and a meditation on the nature of love. Burns' use of vivid imagery, dialect, and metaphor make the poem a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with readers today. The poem is a testament to Burns' talent as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience.

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