What Can A Young Lassie

By Robert Burns

Ballad
    Tune - "What can a young lassie do wi' an auld man." I.         What can a young lassie, what shall a young lassie,             What can a young lassie do wi' an auld man?         Bad luck on the pennie that tempted my minnie             To sell her poor Jenny for siller an' lan'!         Bad luck on the pennie that tempted my minnie             To sell her poor Jenny for siller an' lan'! II.         He's always compleenin' frae mornin' to e'enin',             He hosts and he hirples the weary day lang;         He's doyl't and he's dozin', his bluid it is frozen,             O, dreary's the night wi' a crazy auld man!         He's doyl't and he's dozin', his bluid it is frozen,             O, dreary's the night wi' a crazy auld man! III.         He hums and he hankers, he frets and he cankers,             I never can please him, do a' that I can;         He's peevish and jealous of a' the young fellows:             O, dool on the day I met wi' an auld man!         He's peevish and jealous of a' the young fellows:             O, dool on the day I met wi' an auld man! IV.         My auld auntie Katie upon me takes pity,             I'll do my endeavour to follow her plan;         I'll cross him, and wrack him, until I heart-break him,             And then his auld brass will buy me a new pan.         I'll cross him, and wrack him, until I heart-break him,         And then his auld brass will buy me a new pan.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents a poignant exploration of themes such as age contrast, financial manipulation, and regret. The narrative revolves around the lamentations of a young woman, coerced into a relationship with an older man for financial security, consequently highlighting the harsh societal norms of the time. The tone is one of frustration and regret, underpinned by a bitter sense of humor.

The poem relies heavily on repetition and rhyme, providing a rhythmic quality that echoes traditional folk songs. This, alongside the use of vernacular language, adds a layer of authenticity and realism to the narrative. Notably, the poem employs vivid imagery and characterization to depict the older man’s physical decline and the young woman's growing resentment. Her plan to 'cross him, and wrack him' until his 'auld brass will buy her a new pan' suggests a stark shift from victimhood to manipulator, indicating a form of empowerment within her constrained situation. Overall, this poem offers a nuanced, empathetic portrayal of a woman navigating societal expectations and personal desires.

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.