Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Rush to the Bar" is a song written by Alexander Nicolson (1827-1893), reflecting on the influx of aspiring lawyers joining the Scottish Bar during a period of economic hardship and war. The song humorously celebrates the enthusiasm and dedication of these individuals while also acknowledging the challenges they may face in their legal careers. In the first verse, Nicolson sets the tone by stating that in troubled times like these, light-hearted songs are needed to uplift spirits. He highlights that the song is not about acts of war but rather about the young men joining the Scottish Bar. The chorus emphasizes the increasing number of individuals flocking to the Bar from different places, expressing a mix of surprise, admiration, and satisfaction at their faith in the legal profession.

The second verse notes the significant increase in the number of aspiring lawyers compared to previous years, with a specific mention of seventeen individuals who have joined recently. The reference to eight individuals paying their entrance fees implies their commitment to becoming qualified lawyers in the following year. The humorous mention of increasing the "widows' souls" refers to the financial contributions lawyers make to support those left behind by deceased lawyers.

In the third verse, Nicolson acknowledges the perception of the legal profession from behind the scenes. Despite the slow pace of business and concerns about job opportunities, young lawyers continue to join the Bar. The mention of prizes and the question of how to abolish certain positions reflects the competitive nature of the legal profession and the ongoing changes within it.

The fourth verse pays tribute to the Examinators, the individuals responsible for assessing the qualifications of aspiring lawyers. Nicolson humorously remarks that their workload has been particularly heavy, jokingly comparing the birth of multiple individuals in one day to the birth of four lawyers in a single day. This verse highlights the continuous renewal of the Bar and the importance of maintaining a steady influx of new talent.

In the final verse, Nicolson raises a toast to the young jurists who have joined the Bar that year, expressing both admiration and concern for their decision. He expresses hope that they possess personal wealth to sustain themselves in their legal careers and playfully prays that they never regret their choice to pursue law. The chorus concludes the song, reaffirming the optimism and vitality brought by these new members to the Bar.

Overall, "Rush to the Bar" by Alexander Nicolson captures the atmosphere of the time, reflecting on the challenges and aspirations of those entering the legal profession, while employing humor and wit to depict the unique dynamics of the Scottish Bar.

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