Son of a Jazz trumpeter Craig was introduced early to Swing music. His uncle played in a Skiffle band, his grandparents had performed in theater and vaudeville on one side and on the other were self taught musicians and folk singers.
In the early days Craig Herbertson played in experimental bands including the Scottish New Wave band 'The Androids' reviewed in NME with air play on BBC Radio 1.
Later he rediscovered his folk roots, playing with a variety of bands including 'The Keltix whose songs were featured on BBC radio and television.
Craig picked up experience busking in Europe and America, from the Paris Metro to Riverboats on the Mississippi, during which time he learned fiddle, mandolin, banjo, penny whistle and piano.
In 2004 he hit number 20 in the BBC Indie charts with 'Hearts of Glory'
In 2011 Craig was awarded second prize in the category “Best Folk Rock Singer” of the 'Deutscher Rock & Pop Preis'.
As well as music he is also a critically acclaimed fantasy and horror author.
A Red Red Rose
Craig Herbertson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's newly sprung in June
O my love's like the melody,
That's sweetly played in tune.
As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in love am I
And I will love thee still, my dear,
Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun
And I will love thee still, my dear,
While the sands o' life shall run.
And fare-thee-well, my only love!
And fare-thee-well, a while!
And I will come again, my love,
Tho' 'twere ten thousand mile!
Craig Herbertson's "A Red Red Rose" is a modern version of a traditional Scottish love song attributed to the poet Robert Burns. In the opening lines, the singer compares their love to a "red, red rose" that has just bloomed in June. This natural imagery suggests the freshness and beauty of their love. The next line continues this comparison by describing their love as a "melody, that's sweetly played in tune." This simile evokes the idea of musical harmony, a perfect balance of the two lovers' hearts.
The following four lines express the singer's love for their partner, describing them as fair and deepening their affection. The refrain, which is repeated twice, emphasizes the timeless nature of their love, saying that the singer will love their partner even if the seas go dry or the rocks melt with the sun. These fantastical images underscore the unbreakable bond between the two lovers. The final stanza says farewell to the singer's love but promises to return, even if it means traveling thousands of miles.
Overall, the lyrics of "A Red Red Rose" express the beauty and depth of a true love that transcends distance and time. Through comparisons to nature and music, the singer illustrates the purity and endurance of their affection for their partner.
Line by Line Meaning
My love's like a red, red rose,
My love is as beautiful and fragrant as a red rose that has just bloomed in June.
That's newly sprung in June
This love is still fresh and new, like a rose that has just bloomed in the early summer.
O my love's like the melody,
My love is like a sweet melody that is played harmoniously.
That's sweetly played in tune.
The love I have is harmonious, like a melody that is played beautifully in tune.
As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
My beautiful lady, you are as fair as can be.
So deep in love am I
My love for you is so deep and intense.
And I will love thee still, my dear,
I will continue to love you, my dear, no matter what happens.
Till a' the seas gang dry.
I will love you until the seas run dry and the world ends.
Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
My love is so strong that it will endure even until the seas dry up.
And the rocks melt wi' the sun
Even when the rocks melt from the intense heat of the sun, my love will still be strong.
And I will love thee still, my dear,
No matter what happens, I will always love you.
While the sands o' life shall run.
I will love you for as long as I live and as long as time keeps moving forward.
And fare-thee-well, my only love!
Goodbye, my one and only love!
And fare-thee-well, a while!
Goodbye for now, I will be back.
And I will come again, my love,
I will return to you, my love.
Tho' 'twere ten thousand mile!
Even if I have to travel ten thousand miles to see you again.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IAN BROWN, ROBERT BURNS, TOM GILBERT, FRANKIE HEPBURN, AUSTIN INCE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind