Rantin', Rovin' Robin by Robert Burns
“Rantin’, Rovin’ Robin” presents the birth of Robin in Kyle during a January wind, celebrated by a refrain that calls him a “rovin’ boy.” A gossip examines his palm and predicts that he will not be a fool. Though he will suffer both great and small misfortunes, he will possess a heart above them, bring credit to his people, and make them proud. She also foresees that he will dearly love their kin and will likely cause the bonie lasses to lie apart, yet she blesses him despite his faults.
By Robert Burns · First published 1787 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Scottish Folk Song, Autobiographical Poetry · 395 words
First lines
Not published by Burns.
Tune-"Daintie Davie."
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is a short, stanzaic poem organized around a recurring chorus and intended for lyrical performance.
- Scottish Folk Song — Set to the tune "Daintie Davie," it uses a refrain, singable rhythm, and Scots vernacular characteristic of Scottish song tradition.
- Autobiographical Poetry — The poem recounts the birth and predicted character of Robin, identifying his birth date as January 25, 1759, Burns's own birthday.
- Comic Poetry — Its playful predictions about Robin's future troubles, romantic appetites, and faults create a teasing, good-humored tone.
Tags
Scottish vernacular poetry · Scots language · lyric poem · song refrain · birth celebration · January birth · Kyle, Scotland · eighteenth-century Scotland · self-portraiture · prophecy · fortune-telling · palm reading
What this Textopian page supports
Rantin', Rovin' Robin is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Burns, dated 1787 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Burns
- Date: 1787 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Scottish Folk Song, Autobiographical Poetry, Comic Poetry, Scots Vernacular Poetry
- Length: 395 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Rantin', Rovin' Robin by Robert Burns
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