《Flow Gently, Sweet Afton》Violin Duet with Guitar (Violin Duet with Guitar(With lyrics and chord symbols))-Jo Stafford (1917-2008)

“Flow Gently, Sweet Afton” is a lyrical poem written by the Scottish national poet Robert Burns (1759–1796) in 1791. The poem describes the Afton River in Ayrshire, Scotland, using tender imagery of flowing water, valleys, and the surrounding nature. Burns asks the river to flow gently so as not to disturb his beloved Mary, who rests by its murmuring stream. The work combines the qualities of both a pastoral hymn to nature and a love serenade.

In 1837, the American composer Jonathan E. Spilman (1812–1896) set the poem to music, giving it a graceful melody that soon became widely popular. This tune was later adapted to accompany certain versions of the Christmas carol “Away in a Manger”, further extending its influence.

Today, the song is regarded as a classic that embodies folk sentiment, natural imagery, and romantic lyricism within both Scottish and English-speaking musical traditions.