A Rosebud by My Early Walk

Robert Burns lodged with the Cruikshanks in St James’s Square, Edinburgh, from September, 1787 until February, 1788.

"This song I composed on Miss Jeany Cruikshank, only child to my worthy friend Mr Wm Cruikshank, of the High Street, Edinr. The air is by David Sillar, quondam [former] Merchant, now Schoolmaster in Irvine. He is the Davie to whom I address my printed poetical epistle in the measure of the Cherry and the Slae."

Then twelve years old, Janet Cruikshank was an accomplished harpsichordist and singer. She helped Mr. Burns by playing and singing the melodies to which he matched his lyrics. His gratitude to her and her parents is expressed with this intensely beautiful song. David Sillar’s original melody was called “The Rosebud.” Andrew has arranged it in the Dorian mode, familiar from "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme." A "bawk" (“balk,” in English) is an unploughed strip between crop fields. “Corn” meant “grain” in 18th century Scotland, not maize as in the US.