The Melodist/For a' that, and a' that

by Anonymous

For other versions of this work, see For a' that, and a' that.

For a’ that, and a’ that.

By Burns.

What tho’ on hamely fare we dine,
Wear hodden-grey, and a’ that,
Gi’e fools their silks, and knaves their wine,
A man’s a man tor a’ that.
For a’ that, and a' that,
Their tinsel shew, and a' that;
An honest man, tho’ ne’er sae poor,
Is chief o’ men for a’ that.

Wha wad, for honest poverty,
Hing down his head, and a’ that?
The coward slave we pass him by
And dare be poor for a’ that.
For a’ that, and a' that,
Their purse-grond looks, and a’ that;
In ragged coats ye’ll aften fin’
The noblest hearts for a’ that.

Ye see yon birkie, ca’d a lord,
Who struts and stares, and a’ that,
Tho’ hundreds worship at his word,
He’s but a cuif for a’ that.
For a’ that, and a’ that,
His ribband, star, and a’ that;
A man of independent mind,
Can look, and laugh at a’ that.

The King can mak’ a belted Knight,
A Marquis. Duke, and a’ that;
But an honest man’s aboon his might,
Guid faith he mauna fa’ that!
For & that, and a that.
His dignities and a’ that;
The pith o’ sense, and pride o’ worth,
Are grander far than a’ that.

Then let us pray, that come it may,
As come it shall, for a' that,
That sense and worth, o’er a’ the earth,
May bear the gree, and a’ that.
For a’ that, and a’ that,
It's coming yet, for ‘a’ that,
When man and.man, the world o’er,
Shall brithers be, for a’ that.