A Portrait of Robert Burns Robert Burns

1785 · Song

For a’ That

Tune ·  For a’ that

Epigraph

Tho’ women’s minds, like winter winds,May shift, and turn, an’ a’ that,The noblest breast adores them maist—A consequence I draw that. — Chorus

Chorus

For a’ that, an’ a’ that,And twice as meikle’s a’ that;The bonie lass that I loe bestShe’ll be my ain for a’ that.4
Great love I bear to a’ the fair,Their humble slave, an’ a’ that;But lordly will, I hold it stillA mortal sin to thraw that.8

Chorus

For a’ that, an’ a’ that,And twice as meikle’s a’ that;The bonie lass that I loe bestShe’ll be my ain for a’ that.12
But there is ane aboon the lave,Has wit, and sense, an’ a’ that;A bonie lass, I like her best,And wha a crime dare ca’ that?16

Chorus

For a’ that, an’ a’ that,And twice as meikle’s a’ that;The bonie lass that I loe bestShe’ll be my ain for a’ that.20
In rapture sweet this hour we meet,Wi’ mutual love an’ a’ that,22
But for how lang the flie may stang,Let inclination law that.24

Chorus

For a’ that, an’ a’ that,And twice as meikle’s a’ that;The bonie lass that I loe bestShe’ll be my ain for a’ that.28
Their tricks an’ craft hae put me daft.They’ve taen me in, an’ a’ that;But clear your decks, and here’s—“The Sex!”I like the jads for a’ that.32

Chorus

For a’ that, an’ a’ that,And twice as meikle’s a’ that;The bonie lass that I loe bestShe’ll be my ain for a’ that.36

Footnotes

  1. 1. A later version of “I am a bard of no regard” in “The Jolly Beggars.”
Year
1785
Form
Song
Location
Mossgiel
Tune
For a’ that
Source
Project Gutenberg #1279 — Poems and Songs of Robert Burns