Robert Burns (1759-1796) wrote this song to celebrate his own 28th birthday in 1785.

There was a lad was born in Kyle, But what na day o' what na style, I doubt it's hardly worth the while To be sae nice wi' Robin.

[Chorus] Robin was a rovin' boy, Rantin', rovin', rantin', rovin', Robin was a rovin' boy, Rantin', rovin' Robin!

Our monarch's hindmost year but ane Was five-and-twenty days begun, 'Twas then a blast o' Janwar' win' Blew hansel in on Robin!

[Chorus]

The gossip keekit in his loof, Quo' she: - 'Wha lives'll see the proof, This waly boy will be nae coof: I think we'll ca' him Robin.'

[Chorus]

'He'll hae misfortunes great an' sma', But ay a heart aboon them a'. He'll gie his Daddie's name a blaw, We'll a' be proud o' Robin.'

[Chorus]

'But sure as three times three mak nine I see by ilka score and line, This chap will dearly like our kin', Sae leeze me on thee, Robin!'

[Chorus]

'Guid faith', quo' she, 'I doubt you gar The bonie lassies lie aspar, But twenty fauts ye may hae waur - So blessins on thee, Robin.'

[Chorus]

Meaning of unusual words: hindmost year but one=1759 hansel=birth gift keekit=peered loof=face waly=sturdy coof=fool aboon=above ilka=every leeze=commend gar=compel fauts=faults waur=worse

#scottish #robertburns #celticmusic