On a Lammas night in August, beneath a cloudless moon and still blue sky, the speaker goes to meet Annie among the ripening barley fields—the “rigs.” Time slips by uncounted, and with gentle persuasion, she agrees to linger there with him. The memory is tender and vivid: he sets her down in the grain, kisses her over and over, and holds her close, feeling her heart race. He’s known good company, drink, gathering wealth, and quiet thought, yet even tripled, none of those pleasures compare to that one happy night. The chorus keeps returning to the beauty of the fields themselves, as if the land is part of their joy. The whole song glows with fond gratitude and a lover’s wistful recollection. It creates a mood that feels warm, intimate, and deeply content—an earthy celebration of young love in a moonlit, working countryside.
29. Song—The Rigs o’ Barley — Summary
IT was upon a Lammas night, When corn rigs are bonie, Beneath the moon’s unclouded light, I held awa to Annie; The time flew by, wi’ tentless heed, Till, ’tween the late and early, Wi’ sma’ persuasion she agreed To see me thro’ the barley.
Corn rigs, an’ barley rigs, An’ corn rigs are bonie: I’ll ne’er forget that happy night, Amang the rigs wi’ Annie.
The sky was blue, the wind was still, The moon was shining clearly; I set her down, wi’ right good will, Amang the rigs o’ barley: I ken’t her heart was a’ my ain; I lov’d her most sincerely; I kiss’d her owre and owre again, Amang the rigs o’ barley. Corn rigs, an’ barley rigs, &c.
I lock’d her in my fond embrace; Her heart was beating rarely: My blessings on that happy place, Amang the rigs o’ barley! But by the moon and stars so bright, That shone that hour so clearly! She aye shall bless that happy night Amang the rigs o’ barley. Corn rigs, an’ barley rigs, &c.
I hae been blythe wi’ comrades dear; I hae been merry drinking; I hae been joyfu’ gath’rin gear; I hae been happy thinking: But a’ the pleasures e’er I saw, Tho’ three times doubl’d fairly, That happy night was worth them a’, Amang the rigs o’ barley. Corn rigs, an’ barley rigs, &c.