Jacouse - "Aye Waukin' O!"

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Aye Waukin' O!

A very sad song written by Robert Burns, 1759 - 1796. The person in the song is grieving after losing a lover and cannot sleep (Aye waukin' oh - always awake). What makes it so poignant is that the joy of spring time contrasts with the lover's sadness. This song was sung last year at the funeral of Donald Dewar, the First Minister of the new Scottish Parliament.

Aye waukin' o! Waukin', aye, an' wearie;
Sleep I canna get, for thinkin' o ma dearie.
Spring's a pleasant time, floo'rs o' ilka colour;
The birdie builds her nest, an' I lang for my lover.

Aye waukin' o!' etc

When I sleep, I dream, when I wake, I'm eerie;
Rest I canna get for thinkin' o' ma dearie

Aye waukin' o! etc.

Lanely nicht comes on, a' the lave are sleepin'
But I think on my lad an' blear ma e'en wi' greetin'.

Aye waukin' o! etc.

aye waukin' o' - always awake
ilka - every
lave - rest
blear - make watery eyed

© Arthur Wilson
arthur@jacouse.com