Living

For A’ That

by Robert Burns 1759–1796

From Poems and Songs, 1785

Living

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

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

Great love I bear to a’ the fair,
Their humble slave, an’ a’ that;
But lordly will, I hold it still
A mortal sin to thraw that.
For a’ that, &c.

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?
For a’ that, &c.

In rapture sweet this hour we meet,
Wi’ mutual love an’ a’ that,
But for how lang the flie may stang,
Let inclination law that.
For a’ that, &c.

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.
For a’ that, &c.

MLA

Burns, Robert. “For A’ That.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/burns/86/.

Chicago

Burns, Robert. “For A’ That.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/burns/86/.

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