POSTCARD THIRTEEN
From the Words That Still Bloom Today
Some poems never grow old. They simply find a new voice.
More than two centuries after Robert Burns wrote A Red, Red Rose, his words continue to inspire readers, musicians and dreamers around the world. His poetry captures a timeless belief in love, loyalty and hope—feelings that remain just as powerful today.
A Red Red Rose is a postcard inspired by Scotland's National Bard and by the enduring beauty of words that continue to touch generations.
A RED RED ROSE
Inspired by the timeless poetry of Robert Burns.
ABOUT THE SONG
Few writers have shaped Scotland's cultural identity as profoundly as Robert Burns. His poem A Red, Red Rose, first published in 1794, remains one of the world's most celebrated expressions of enduring love.
Rather than adapting Burns' original words, A Red Red Rose draws inspiration from the emotions and imagery that have made the poem so timeless. It reflects on love that endures through distance, changing seasons and the passing of time—just as Burns described more than two hundred years ago.
As one of the fourteen musical postcards from Scotland – A Love Letter, the song pays tribute to Scotland's literary heritage while telling its own contemporary story.
SONGWRITER'S NOTE
Robert Burns has always fascinated me because his poetry feels remarkably modern.
Reading A Red, Red Rose, I realised that the emotions he described are exactly the same today as they were in the eighteenth century. Love, longing and hope don't belong to one generation—they belong to all of us.
I didn't want to rewrite Burns' poem or simply set it to music. Instead, I wanted to write a new song inspired by the same spirit that made his words unforgettable.
A Red Red Rose is my way of saying thank you to Scotland's greatest poet.
ABOUT ROBERT BURNS
Known as Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns (1759–1796) is celebrated worldwide for his poetry and songs. His works capture the language, humour and humanity of Scotland, and every year on Burns Night, people across the globe gather to celebrate his remarkable legacy.
Lyrics:
O my Luve…
O my Luve…
O my Luve is like a red, red rose
Newly born in June
Cold night falling through the trees
Beneath a dying moon
I held your name inside my mouth
Like smoke I could not keep
And every promise left behind
Still echoes in my sleep
As fair art thou, my weary love
So deep in you am I
And I will love thee longer still
Till all the oceans dry
The city lights, they fade to black
The rivers cease to run
Yet still I hear your footsteps near
Like shadows in the sun
Till a’ the seas gang dry…
Till a’ the seas gang dry…
And I will luve thee still, my dear…
My dear…
My dear…
The years fell hard like winter rain
Across these broken walls
Your photograph, a fading ghost
Still hanging in the hall
I tried to drown the memory
Inside the crowded bars
But every road led back to you
Beneath these ruined stars
And fare thee well, my only love
Though worlds may pull apart
There is a fire beneath my ribs
Still beating like a heart
And if the earth should turn to dust
If mountains disappear
I’d cross the dark a thousand times
To find you waiting here
Till a’ the seas gang dry…
Till the rocks melt wi’ the sun…
And I will luve thee still, my dear…
Still…
Still…
And I will come again, my love…
Though it were ten thousand mile…
Ten thousand mile…
My dear…
Come again…
Till a’ the seas gang dry…
Every song tells a story. Continue your journey through Scotland with the next postcard from the Highlands.
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Every postcard has a story to tell. This film brings its landscapes, emotions and inspiration to life.