Burns Night 2023: These are 10 of the most popular and beloved poems and songs written by Robert Burns, Scotland's National Bard
People around the world will mark the life and works of Rabbie Burns at celebratory suppers this week, and these are some of the poems likely to make an appearance.
Robert Burns was born on January 25, 1759, in Ayrshire and is known the world over for his verse, which has earned him the title of Scotland’s national poet.
He is the most prominent of the poets to have written in the Scots language, partly because he favoured a ‘light Scots dialiect’ which is easily accessible to those beyond his home country.
Burns also wrote in standard English, particularly when offering political and social commentary, but remains best loved for his work in his native language – which saw him named ‘the greatest Scot’ after a public vote run by television channel STV.
Traditionally a Burns Supper is held on the Bard's birthday, although the first was held by the poet’s friends at Burns Cottage on July 21, 1801, to mark the fifth anniversary of his death.
Over a meal of haggis, neeps and tatties poetry is recited, such as ‘To a Mouse’ and ‘Address to the Haggis’, with the men making fun of the women in the ‘Toast to the Lassies', before the girls have the last laugh with the 'Reply From the Lassies'.
Here are 10 of the best known poems by Robert Burns.
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Burns also wrote in standard English, particularly when offering political and social commentary, but remains best loved for his work in his native language – which saw him named ‘the greatest Scot’ after a public vote run by television channel STV.
5. Tam O'Shanter
Tam O’Shanter was first published in 1791 and, running at 228 lines, is one of Burns' longer poems. The epic work tells the story of a drunken night in Ayr and a terrifying encounter with witches and warlocks at Alloway Kirkyard. The dramatic ending sees Tam escaping the witches by riding over the Brig o’Doon - knowing they are unable to cross flowing water. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. A Red, Red Rose
Starting "My luve is like a red red rose, That's newly sprung in june; O my Luve's like the melodie, That's sweetly play'd in tune", the romantic 'A Red, Red Rose' is verse based on traditional sources that Burns gave to Scots singer Pietro Urbani who published it in his book of 'Scots Songs'. Burns himself called it "a simple old Scots song which I had picked up in the country". There have been numerous versions over the years, including by Pat Boone, Eddie Reader, Camera Obscura, Eva Cassidy and Carly Simon. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Address to the Deil
The comic poem 'Address to the Deil' attracted a great deal of controversy when published in 1785. The mocking portrayal of Satan and hell was seen as shocking to religious Scots brought up on tales of eternal damnation for those who sin. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Holy Willie's Prayer
Written in 1785, 'Holy Willie's Prayer' was first printed anonymously in an eight-page pamphlet four years later, showing how anxious Burns was about publishing the satirical attack on religious hypocrisy. Based on a real elder of the kirk in Mauchline, the titular character begs God's forgiveness for his own transgressions, then demands his enemies be punished for the same sins. Photo: Canva/Getty Images