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(The original satirical poem from which this revision is derived is directed at hypocrisy
and isn’t intended to be an insult to the true God or the Bible. It mocks certain teachings
of Christendom, especially predestination and literal hellfire, as well as sanctimonious
church leaders. Holy Willie is a self-righteous, hypocritical bachelor elder who reports
members of his church for what he considers misconduct and tries to get them expelled.
Gavin Hamilton and Robert Aiken are two handsome and popular young men who are
well liked in the congregation. Holy Willie’s attempts to discredit them for minor
offences meet with no success. It’s obviously a rewording of the famous poem by Robert
Burns. Because of its heavy dialect and unfamiliar words, the original is seldom read
outside of college classes in literature. I’ve eliminated those problems so it can be fun
and make a point for people today. I hope Burns wouldn’t mind.)
Amen, Amen.