Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
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| 81. Song—For a’ that |
| | | | | Tune—“For a’ that.” |
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| THO’ 1 women’s minds, like winter winds, | |
| May shift, and turn, an’ a’ that, | |
| The noblest breast adores them maist— | |
| A consequence I draw that. | |
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Chorus
For a’ that, an’ a’ that, | 5 |
| And twice as meikle’s a’ that; | |
| The bonie lass that I loe best | |
| She’ll be my ain for a’ that. | |
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| Great love I bear to a’ the fair, | |
| Their humble slave, an’ a’ that; | 10 |
| But lordly will, I hold it still | |
| A mortal sin to thraw that. | |
| For a’ that, &c. | |
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| But there is ane aboon the lave, | |
| Has wit, and sense, an’ a’ that; | 15 |
| A bonie lass, I like her best, | |
| And wha a crime dare ca’ that? | |
| For a’ that, &c. | |
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| In rapture sweet this hour we meet, | |
| Wi’ mutual love an’ a’ that, | 20 |
| But for how lang the flie may stang, | |
| Let inclination law that. | |
| For a’ that, &c. | |
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| Their tricks an’ craft hae put me daft. | |
| They’ve taen me in, an’ a’ that; | 25 |
| But clear your decks, and here’s—“The Sex!” | |
| I like the jads for a’ that. | |
| For a’ that, &c. | |
| | | Note 1. A later version of “I am a bard of no regard” in “The Jolly Beggars.” [back] |
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