For a' That by Robert Burns (1795)
The speaker declares that although women’s minds may change like winter winds, the noblest heart loves them most. He professes broad affection for all fair women and calls himself their humble servant, while insisting that it is sinful to compel anyone against her will. Among them, one bonie lass stands above the rest for her wit and sense, and he openly prefers her. They meet in sweet rapture and mutual love, though he leaves the length of their attachment to inclination. Even after women’s tricks and craft have bewildered and ensnared him, he raises a toast to “The Sex,” affirming that he likes them all the same.
By Robert Burns · First published 1795 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Love Poetry, Song · 345 words
First lines
A later version of "I am a bard of no regard" in "The Jolly Beggars. "
Tune-"For a' that."
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is a short, first-person poetic lyric centered on the speaker's shifting affections, romantic desire, and personal reflection.
- Love Poetry — Its principal subject is the speaker's attraction to women, especially his preference for one particular 'bonie lass' above the others.
- Song — Written to the tune 'For a' that' and structured around a recurring chorus, the piece is explicitly a singable song lyric.
- Scottish Vernacular Poetry — Burns employs Scots vocabulary, spelling, idiom, and rhythms, including terms such as 'bonie,' 'loe,' 'wha,' and 'a' that.'
Tags
Scottish vernacular poetry · love song · courtship · romantic desire · women and love · female inconstancy · admiration of women · preferred beloved · mutual affection · sexual freedom · consent · opposition to coercion
What this Textopian page supports
For a' That is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Burns, dated 1795 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Burns
- Date: 1795 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Love Poetry, Song, Scottish Vernacular Poetry, Comic Poetry
- Length: 345 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for For a' That by Robert Burns
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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