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A Man's a Man for a' That

from No Strangers Here by SixMileBridge

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It's hard to pull words together for how important this song is to me, and how relevant it is in any point in history. Robert Burns gives us his poetic interpretation of an even older song about what is important in life and what just isn't. He sings of finery and wealth, the awards and medals, the titles and prestige that have ruined men throughout the ages. But let us not forget the hope we all have for a better time, of equality and respect for all people.

We made a video to boot, find it here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVQV0DDwojk

lyrics

is there for honest poverty that hangs his head and a’ that
the coward slave we pass him by we dare be poor for a’ that
for a’ that and a’ that our toils obscure for a’ that
their rank is but their guinea stamp the man’s the gold for a’ that

for tho on homely fare we dine wear hodden* gray and a’ that
give fools their silks and knaves their wine a man’s a man for a’ that
for a’ that and a’ that their tinsel show an a’ that
the honest man tho e’re so poor is king of men for a’ that

you see yon birkie* called a lord wha’ struts and stares and a’ that
tho hundreds worship at his word, he’s but a fool for a’ that
for a’ that and a’ that his ribband star and a’ that
the man of independent mind he looks and laughs at a’ that

a prince can make a belted knight a marquis, duke and a’ that
but an honest man’s above his might good faith! he must not fall, that
for a’ that and a’ that their dignities and a’ that
the pith* of sense and pride of work are higher rank than a’ that

then let us pray that come it may and come it will for a’ that
that sense o’ worth o’er all the earth shall bear the gree* for a’ that
for a’ that and a’ that it’s comin’ yet, for a’ that
that man to man the world o’er shall brothers be, for a’ that!




*Old Scots terms:
hodden: roughest, poor quality wool
birkie: young lad
pith: core, substance
bear the gree: have first priority

credits

from No Strangers Here, released July 11, 2000

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Maggie Drennon image

Maggie Drennon New York, New York

Maggie Drennon is a premiere voice in Celtic singing, a long standing influence in folk music. She was a founding member of Ceili's Muse in 1989, and SixMileBridge in 1997

Now, with a solo performance that is meaningful yet lighthearted, she is deeply devoted to sharing Celtic traditions with American audiences.

Most importantly she brings us the soaring voice that will inspire your heart! ... more

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