"A Red, Red Rose" by Robert Burns

 "A Red, Red Rose" by Robert Burns

Poem Text

O my Luve is like a red, red rose

That’s newly sprung in June;

O my Luve is like the melody

That’s sweetly played in tune.

So fair art thou, my bonnie lass,

So deep in luve am I;

And I will love thee still, my dear,

Till a’ the seas gang dry.

Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,

And the rocks melt wi’ the sun;

And I will love thee still, my dear,

While the sands o’ life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only Luve!

And fare thee weel a while!

And I will come again, my Luve,

Though it were ten thousand mile.

Summary

Robert Burns’ poem "A Red, Red Rose" is a heartfelt expression of deep and eternal love. The speaker begins by comparing his love to a red rose and a sweet melody, emphasizing its beauty, freshness, and harmony. These vivid images highlight the intensity of his affection. He then makes grand promises, vowing to love his beloved until impossible things happen, such as the seas drying up and the rocks melting, symbolizing the infinite nature of his devotion. The poem concludes with a farewell, where the speaker reassures his beloved that, no matter how far he must travel, he will return. This ending conveys both sorrow in parting and an unwavering commitment. Through the use of powerful imagery, hyperbole, and lyrical language, Burns captures the themes of love, devotion, and perseverance, making this poem a timeless celebration of romance.

Themes

1. Eternal Love

• The speaker promises to love his beloved forever, using exaggerated yet passionate imagery.
• Phrases like "Till a’ the seas gang dry" (until the seas dry up) show the depth and permanence of his love.

2. Beauty and Nature

• The beloved is compared to a red rose and a melody, showing that love is as natural and beautiful as flowers and music.

3. Separation and Hope

• The speaker is parting from his beloved ("Fare thee weel" means "farewell"), but he remains hopeful about reuniting.
• His promise to return even if he must travel “ten thousand mile” symbolizes love’s endurance.

Poetic Devices

1. Simile

• "O my Luve is like a red, red rose" → Compares love to a fresh rose.
• "O my Luve is like the melody" → Compares love to music.

2. Hyperbole (Exaggeration)

• "Till a’ the seas gang dry" → Expresses love’s infinity.
• "And the rocks melt wi’ the sun" → Another exaggeration to show everlasting love.

3. Repetition

• "Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear" (repeated) → Strengthens the theme of eternal love.
• "Fare thee weel" (repeated) → Emphasizes sorrowful parting.

Conclusion

"A Red, Red Rose" is a romantic and heartfelt poem about deep love and devotion. It blends natural imagery, strong emotions, and musical quality, making it one of the most famous love poems in English literature.