Robert Burns (b. 1759 d. 1796) is undoubtedly the most revered of all the figures in Scottish history. There is little question that he ranks among the best poets/song writers of all time. In addition, he was instrumental in getting a vast array of Scottish myths, poetry, and song recorded that would have been lost for all time if not for his efforts.
Given his humble beginnings, born to peasants in impoverished circumstances, one would never have expected Robert Burness (the original spelling of his name) to explode on the Scottish literary scene just a a few years later. Although his parents were peasants, they valued education and made sure Robert got the best education they could afford. His mother, Agnes Broun, was a lively bundle of energy and his father, Robert Burness, a somewhat rigid taskmaster both influenced the way Burns approached life. He had a flair for showmanship as well as the ability to get things done.
Burns was born at an important juncture in human history. The French Revolution was underway as well as the American Revolution. The issues of human rights, the divine right of Kings, and the like were being questioned as never before. Scotland was chaffing from having lost their sovereign nation status to England (setting up something called the United Kingdom did little to appease the Scots). Bonnie Prince Charlie was still alive (the people’s champion who tried unsuccessfully to regain Scottish independence). England responded to Scottish desires by implementing the act of proscription (no kilts, no bagpipes, etc.) and by trying to replace the Scottish language with English.
The Scots needed a hero. Robert Burns, though an unlikely candidate, was the genius who fit the bill. He burst upon the scene with the publication of “Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect” (1786). In those days, one was born in a class and stayed there. Peasants were peasants because they were inferior to nobles, etc. Burns somehow slipped those bonds. The noble class welcomed him as a novelty, the peasants as one of their own. In the span of a year following the publication of this book, he went from being unknown to being known by everyone in Scotland…amazing in the days before the existence of the mass media.
His message was in his writing and it was clear. The people who sold Scotland down the river (i.e. signed the “Act of Union” giving up Scottish independence) were misguided (read “Such a Parcel of Rogues in a Nation”). The church did not know much about love (read “A Poet’s Welcome to His Love Begotten Daughter” which is essentially a reply to the church’s condemnation of his illegitimate child). His life was filled with much success and much tragedy. Many of his children (many of whom were illegitimate by several different women) died before reaching adulthood. His beloved Mary Campbell died within months of their meeting (read “To Mary in Heaven”). I’ll not recount all these tragedies here but be content to point out that they were numerous. To most however, regardless of his transgressions, he spoke for them, stood up for them, and set many things in motion that would eventually lead to improved circumstance for all humans.
Indeed, many consider him to be the “Father of Liberalism”. The title seems well earned to me. He pointed out that everyone deserved a decent life…noble or not. He proved that a “peasant” could out do them all. Not only did he believe these things…he lived them. He could have been a rich man if he had taken royalties for his work. He refused by saying these things belonged to the people…not to him! No wonder some 10,000 people turned out for his funeral…many sleeping in the streets to be able to pay homage to this great man.
For these reasons such as these people around the world gather each year to remember Robert Burns to honor him on the occasion of his birth (January 25) at “Burns’ Suppers”. At these events, Burns comes alive with readings of his poems, singing of his songs, and recounting his short (37 years) but hugely productive life. These gatherings always end with singing Burns’ most famous work “Auld Lang Syne”. Yes, the song we all sing on New Year’s eve….many of us not realizing Burns was the man behind preserving this song (this is one of the songs he saved by recording it for posterity…he did clean it up and add a verse or two of his own).
For those wanting a more detailed overview of his life along with selections of some of Burns’ best work, I suggest that you pick up a copy of John Cairney’s “The Luath Burns Companion” (Luath Press Limited: Edinburgh, 2001).
