Leyde's painting illustrates the popular sentimental poem 'Auld Robin Gray', written in c.1771 by Lady Anne Lindsay, married name Barnard (1750–1825). She wrote the poem when she was 21 years of age. Leyde's painting depicts the plight of the heroine, Jennie: 'My father couldna work, and my mother couldna spin; I toil'd day and night but their bread I couldna win; Auld Rob maintain'd them baith, and wi' tears in his e'e Said, "Jennie, for their sakes, O, marry me!"' The same subject, 'Auld Robin Grey', appears as a monochrome wash on page 57 of David Allan's 'Original Designs for Scottish Songs'.