More about this song
Burns composed 'O bonie was yon rosy brier' in the summer of 1795 when he sent it to no less than three acquaintances: Alexander Cunningham, George Thomson and Maria Ridell.
While the title of the song is traditional, the verses are the poet's own. The song is inspired by Jean Lorimer (1775-1831) whom Robert Burns met as a teenager.
Jean Lorimer would go on to lead a turbulent life, plagued by misfortune and poverty; the result of an unfortunate marriage. However, Burns continued in his contact with her and Jean inspired a significant number of the poet's love songs.
In many of these she is given the Arcadian pseudonym, 'Chloris'. Here Burns uses natural imagery to depict a love that is both 'pure' and sincere.
Pauline Mackay
