The melody of this love song originated in Brittany. This part of the world, famous for its beautiful music, has a great cultural affinity with Scotland, Ireland and Wales but unfortunately we still couldn't manage the Bretagne lyric. However, we managed to find a Scottish poem which "married" the melody with hesitation or shotgun.
Seeking the shade (a likely story), the two lovers conduct their courtship under a rose bush. A love affair which must have ended, if not begun, very painfully.
Many thanks to Pichtogorn Buree from Paris for the melody and Robert Burns for the poem.
lyrics
Yon rosebuds in the morning dew
How pure amang the leaves sae green
But purer was the lover's vow
They witnessed in their shade yestreen
Chorus:
Bonnie was yon rosie briar
That bloomed sae far from haunt o' man
Bonnie she and o' how dear
It shaded frae the evening sun
All in its rude and prickly bower
That crimson rose, how sweet and fair
But love is far the fairer flower
Amid life's thorny path o' care
Chorus
credits
from The Old Woman's Dance,
released January 1, 1978
Robert Burns arr. Tannahill Weavers
supported by 8 fans who also own “Bonnie Was Yon Rosie Briar”
I did find this band in Youtube, Live at Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2023.
For me it was so good, can't find words, it blew me away and still does. dahlrockson
supported by 8 fans who also own “Bonnie Was Yon Rosie Briar”
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