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About this quote

What does it mean?
A final departure from a lover on the Irish shore with a promise of never returning.
In plain terms
He left the Irish shore and told his love goodbye forever.
What can you take from it?
Partings can be permanent and filled with finality.

Where it applies

  • breakups
  • leaving a place
  • goodbyes

Putting it to work

  • express finality
  • write farewell

Questions to consider

  • When do we accept things are truly over?
  • How do we say goodbye forever?

Another view

It emphasizes the permanence of the split without hope of reunion.

More from Robert Burns

  1. Now a' is done that men can do, And a' is done in vain.

    Permalink to quote #59
  2. John Anderson, my jo, John, When we were first acquent, Your locks were like the raven, Your bonie brow was brent; But now your brow is beld, John, Your locks …

    Permalink to quote #61
  3. It was a' for our rightfu' King We left fair Scotland's strand.

    Permalink to quote #58

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