Farewell to the Banks of Ayr
A song by Robert Burns, written in 1786.
The gloomy night is gath'ring fast,
Loud roars the wild, inconstant blast,
Yon murky cloud is foul with rain,
I see it driving o'er the plain;
The Hunter now has left the moor.
The scatt'red coveys meet secure,
While here I wander, prest with care,
Along the lonely banks of Ayr.
The Autumn mourns her rip'ning corn
By early Winter's ravage torn;
Across her placid, azure sky,
She sees the scowling tempest fly:
Chill runs my blood to hear it rave,
I think upon the stormy wave,
Where many a danger I must dare,
Far from the bonie banks of Ayr.
'Tis not the surging billow's roar,
'Tis not that fatal, deadly shore;
Tho' Death in ev'ry shape appear,
The wretched have no more to fear:
But round my heart the ties are bound,
That heart transpierc'd with many a wound;
These bleed afresh, those ties I tear,
To leave the bonie banks of Ayr.
Farewell, old Coila's hills and dales,
Her healthy moors and winding vales;
The scenes where wretched Fancy roves,
Pursuing past, unhappy loves!
Farewell, my friends! farewell, my foes!
My peace with these, my love with those
The bursting tears my heart declare,
Farewell, the bonie banks of Ayr!
Duration:
This clip is from
Featured in...
Works written in 1786—The works of Robert Burns
Most Burns works can be attributed to a specific year.
Works read by Clare Grogan—The works of Robert Burns
All her recordings from the 250th anniversary project.
More clips from The works of Robert Burns
-
He Till't and She Till't
Duration: 00:17
-
The Heron Ballads : Wham will we send to London town
Duration: 02:16
-
Sic a wife as Willie's Wife
Duration: 01:17
-
To Robert Graham of Fintry Esq
Duration: 05:55