Scotlandsmusic

An authority on the songs of Burns claims that this tune lacks the character of a Scottish melody, resembling 'The New Swedish Dance' published in 1715. Swedish or Scottish, the tune certainly suits Burns's words admirably, with the repetitive click-clack of a weaver's shuttle audible in its rhythms. Paisley, the centre of the Scottish weaving industry, grew up on the banks of the river Cart, where Burns's 'gallant weaver' was supposed to live.