with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

22
THE LAST TIME 1 CAME O ER THE MOOR.
Ramsay found the first line of this song, which
had been preserved as the title of the charming air,
and then composed the rest of the verses to suit that
line. This has always a finer effect than composing
English zoords, or words with an idea foreign to the
spirit of the old title. Where old titles of songs
convey any idea at all, it will generally befound to
be quite iri the spirit of the air.
JOHNNYS GRAY BREEKS.
Though this has certainly every evidence of
being a Scotish air, yet there is a well-known tune
and song in the North of Ireland, called. The
Weaver and his Shuttle, O, which though sung much
quicker, is every note the very tune.
When I was in my se'nteen year,
I was baith blythe and bonny,
O the lads loo'd me baith far and near,
But I loo'd nane but Johnny
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