CXX.
Reading edition
NAEBODY.
Tune—“Naebody.”
[Burns had built his house at Ellisland, sowed his first crop, the woman he loved was at his side, and hope was high; no wonder that he indulged in this independent strain.]
I.
I hae a wife o’ my ain— I’ll partake wi’ naebody; I’ll tak cuckold frae nane, I’ll gie cuckold to naebody. I hae a penny to spend, There—thanks to naebody; I hae naething to lend, I’ll borrow frae naebody.
II.
I am naebody’s lord— I’ll be slave to naebody; I hae a guid braid sword, I’ll tak dunts frae naebody. I’ll be merry and free, I’ll be sad for naebody; Naebody cares for me, I’ll care for naebody.