“For A' That and A' That (I)”

Description

"Be gude to me as lang's I'm here, I'll maybe win away' yet, He's bonnie coming o'er the hills That will tak' me frae ye a' yet, For a' that and a' that, And thrice as muckle's a' that...." She describes her love, and hopes he will make her well-to-do

Notes

Ord thinks this Burns's model for "A Man's a Man for A' That." Certainly the form of the verses, and the "For a' that and a' that" chorus in line five of each verse reveal kinship. In addition, the Burns song is reported to be based on an item "The Jolly Beggars." Plus, this is a rare piece; so it's possible that the relationship goes the other way -- i.e. this might be a rewrite of the Burns song designed to be less political. Or, rather, less *overtly* political, perhaps reminding listeners of the other version.... - RBW

Cross references

  • cf. "A Man's A Man For A' That" (lyrics, stanza form)

References

  1. Ord, p. 196, "For A' That and A' That" (1 text)
  2. Roud #5536
  3. BI, Ord196

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1930 (Ord)
Keywords: love courting
Found in: Britain(Scotland)