Tam Glen
Tam Glen's Love Dilemma: A Poetic Pursuit of Heart Over Wealth
Lyrics
My heart is a-breaking, dear Tittie,
Expresses deep emotional pain and heartbreak.
Some counsel unto me come len',
Seeking advice or comfort from someone named Tittie.
To anger them a' is a pity,
Regretting causing anger or annoyance to others.
But what will I do wi' Tam Glen?
Expressing uncertainty about what to do with Tam Glen.
I'm thinking, wi' sic a braw fellow,
Considering the potential of a handsome fellow (Tam Glen) despite poverty.
In poortith I might mak a fen;
Suggesting the possibility of finding contentment in poverty with Tam Glen.
What care I in riches to wallow,
Indifferent to riches if unable to marry Tam Glen.
If I maunna marry Tam Glen!
Expressing the desire to marry Tam Glen.
There's Lowrie the Laird o' Dumeller-
Introducing Lowrie, a wealthy figure, but comparing him unfavorably to Tam Glen.
"Gude day to you, brute!" he comes ben:
Lowrie is greeted disrespectfully as a brute.
He brags and he blaws o' his siller,
Lowrie boasts about his money, but Tam Glen is praised for his dancing.
But when will he dance like Tam Glen!
Comparing the dancing skills of Tam Glen to Lowrie.
My minnie does constantly deave me,
Complaining about constant warnings from the mother.
And bids me beware o' young men;
Mother warns against the deceptive nature of young men.
They flatter, she says, to deceive me,
Expressing confidence in Tam Glen's sincerity.
But wha can think sae o' Tam Glen!
Defending Tam Glen against accusations of deceit.
My daddie says, gin I'll forsake him,
Father offering a reward if she leaves Tam Glen.
He'd gie me gude hunder marks ten;
Offering a substantial amount (hundred marks ten) to forsake Tam Glen.
But, if it's ordain'd I maun take him,
Considering the possibility of taking Tam Glen despite the offer.
O wha will I get but Tam Glen!
Expressing the desire to be with Tam Glen regardless of the consequences.
Yestreen at the Valentine's dealing,
Recalling a past event at Valentine's dealing with an implication of drawing lots or choosing.
My heart to my mou' gied a sten';
Describing a physical reaction (sten') when drawing lots related to Tam Glen.
For thrice I drew ane without failing,
Successfully drawing Tam Glen's name three times at Valentine's.
And thrice it was written "Tam Glen"!
Highlighting the significance of Tam Glen's name in the drawing.
The last Halloween I was waukin
Recalling a past Halloween with a wet shirt sleeve.
My droukit sark-sleeve, as ye ken,
Referring to a supernatural or eerie event involving Tam Glen's likeness.
His likeness came up the house staukin,
Describing the presence of Tam Glen's image in the house.
And the very grey breeks o' Tam Glen!
Noticing specific clothing items (grey breeks) associated with Tam Glen.
Come, counsel, dear Tittie, don't tarry;
Urging Tittie for advice without delay.
I'll gie ye my bonie black hen,
Offering a black hen as a gift in exchange for advice.
Gif ye will advise me to marry
Asking for guidance on marrying Tam Glen, emphasizing love.
The lad I lo'e dearly, Tam Glen.
Reaffirming the deep affection and love for Tam Glen.
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