Robert Burns

AE FOND KISS

---

One of Robert Burns' best love songs. The haunting melody makes it a must for anyone's repetoire. Anyone who has not gone through at least some of the emotions in the song has never loved at all. The best recording I have ever heard is by Eddie Reader, formerly of Fairground Attraction (see links page).

Ae Fond Kiss
By Robert Burns

Ae fond kiss, and then we sever,
Ae fareweel, and then forever.
deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee.

Who shall say that fortune grieves him,
While the star of hope she leaves him?
Me, nae cheerful twinkle lights me,
Dark dispair around benights me.

I'll never blame my partial fancy,
Naething could resist my Nancy.
But to see her was to love her,
Love but her, and love forever.

Had we never lov'd sae kindly,
Had we never lov'd sae blindly,
Never met- or never parted-
We had ne'er been broken hearted.

Fare-thee-weel, thou first and fairest,
Fare-thee-weel, thou best and dearest,
Thine be ilka joy and treasure,
Peace, enjoyment, love and pleasure.

Ae fond kiss, and then we sever,
Ae fareweel, alas for ever,
Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee.

---

Music; traditional. Content copyright © 2000 held by the author; Ian Hall.