81. Song—For a' that

 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.


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.


 Note 1. A later version of “I am a bard of no regard” in “The Jolly Beggars.” [back]

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