Wilt Thou Be My Dearie

By Robert Burns

Lyric Poem
    Air - "The Sutor's Dochter." I.         Wilt thou be my dearie?         When sorrow wrings thy gentle heart,         Wilt thou let me cheer thee?         By the treasure of my soul,         That's the love I bear thee!         I swear and vow that only thou         Shall ever be my dearie.         Only thou, I swear and vow,         Shall ever be my dearie. II.         Lassie, say thou lo'es me;         Or if thou wilt no be my ain,         Say na thou'lt refuse me:         If it winna, canna be,         Thou, for thine may choose me,         Let me, lassie, quickly die,         Trusting that thou lo'es me.         Lassie, let me quickly die,         Trusting that thou lo'es me.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Lyric Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents a heartfelt declaration of love and devotion, employing simple, direct language to convey the speaker's deep emotional investment. The recurring theme of love's power to comfort and sustain in times of sorrow is evident throughout. The speaker entreats his beloved to accept his love and, if not, to let him die believing she does, underscoring the life-and-death importance of this love to him.

The structure of the poem, divided into two stanzas, facilitates a clear progression of thought. The first stanza is a passionate plea to his beloved to accept his love and his promise of unwavering commitment. The second stanza sharpens the urgency, with the speaker expressing a willingness to die if his love is not reciprocated, emphasizing the intensity of his feelings.

The poem employs repetition effectively, giving it almost a musical quality. Phrases like "Wilt thou be my dearie" and "Shall ever be my dearie" are reiterated, reinforcing the depth of the speaker's desire. The use of dialect - "lo'es", "thou'lt", "wilt" - adds a layer of authenticity to the voice, making the speaker's plea feel all the more sincere and heartfelt. Overall, this poem is a poignant exploration of the strength and vulnerability inherent in deep affection.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.