The Exciseman.

By Robert Burns

Ballad
    Tune - "The Deil cam' fiddling through the town." I.         The deil cam' fiddling through the town,             And danced awa wi' the Exciseman,         And ilka wife cries, "Auld Mahoun,             I wish you luck o' the prize, man!"                 The deil's awa, the deil's awa,                     The deil's awa wi' the Exciseman;                 He's danc'd awa, he's danc'd awa,                     He's danc'd awa wi' the Exciseman! II.         We'll mak our maut, we'll brew our drink,             We'll dance, and sing, and rejoice, man;         And mony braw thanks to the meikle black deil             That danc'd awa wi' the Exciseman. III.         There's threesome reels, there's foursome reels,             There's hornpipes and strathspeys, man;         But the ae best dance e'er cam to the land             Was--the deil's awa wi' the Exciseman.                 The deil's awa, the deil's awa,                     The deil's awa wi' the Exciseman:                 He's danc'd awa, he's danc'd awa,                     He's danc'd awa wi' the Exciseman.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This lively and spirited poem utilizes a blend of humor and satire to critique authority, particularly the exciseman or tax collector, representing an oppressive system. The devil's dance with the exciseman symbolizes the public's disdain for taxation and their longing for liberation. The consistent refrain of "The deil's awa wi' the Exciseman" serves to reinforce this sentiment and brings a rhythmic quality to the poem, enhancing its jovial tone.

The poem's structure is traditional, with regular rhythms and rhyme patterns, lending it a musical quality that complements the themes of dance and merriment. The poet's use of dialect enhances the authenticity of the voice and underscores the folkloric nature of the narrative. The repetition of certain lines not only supports the melody but also strengthens the poem's key message. The celebration of the devil's triumph over the exciseman, particularly in the second and third stanzas, underscores the theme of rebellion against authority, suggesting that sometimes the devil you know is better than the one you don't.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.