The Man
Ben & Alfie Lyrics
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The coward slave - we pass him by, We dare be poor for a' that
For a' that, an' a' that. Our toils obscure an' a' that
The rank is but the guinea's stamp, The Man's the gowd for a' that
What though on hamely fare we dine, Wear hodden grey, an' a that
Gie 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'er sae poor, Is king o' men for a' that
Tho' hundreds worship at his word, He's but a coof for a' that
For a' that, an' a' that, His ribband, star, an' a' that
The man o' independent mind He looks an' laughs at a' that
A prince can mak a belted knight, A marquis, duke, an' a' that
But an honest man's abon his might, Gude faith, he maunna fa' that
For a' that, an' a' that, Their dignities an' a' that
The pith o' sense, an' pride o' worth, Are higher rank than a' that
Then let us pray that come it may, As come it will for a' that
That Sense and Worth, o'er a' the earth, shall bear the gree, an' a' that
For a' that, an' a' that, It's coming yet for a' that
That Man to Man, the world o'er, Shall brothers be for a' that
The lyrics of "The Man" by Ben & Alfie talk about how poverty and social status do not define the worth of an individual. The first verse talks about how even an honest and poor person has dignity and value. The second verse emphasizes on how even though some people may have more material possessions, it does not make them any better than those who are less fortunate. The third verse mentions a lord who may be worshipped by many, but in reality, he is just a fool. The fourth verse touches on how even though people may hold titles and positions of power, it is ultimately their sense of pride and worth that determines their true rank. In the final verse, the song talks about how the world should be a place where all people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or status.
Overall, "The Man" is a song that advocates for social equality and encourages people to recognize the inherent value in every individual, regardless of their social status.
Line by Line Meaning
Is there for honest Poverty That hings his head, an' a' that
Are those who live in poverty and hang their heads in shame not deserving of respect and dignity?
The coward slave - we pass him by, We dare be poor for a' that
We ignore those who are cowardly and submissive, and we are willing to be poor rather than compromise our integrity.
For a' that, an' a' that. Our toils obscure an' a' that
Despite this, we remain committed to our work, even if it goes unrecognized and undervalued.
The rank is but the guinea's stamp, The Man's the gowd for a' that
Money cannot truly define one's value as a person, and human worth is greater than social status or wealth.
What though on hamely fare we dine, Wear hodden grey, an' a that
Even if we eat simple food and wear plain clothes, it doesn't diminish our worth as individuals.
Gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine; A Man's a Man for a' that
Let fools and scoundrels indulge in luxuries, but remember that true worth lies in being a decent human being.
For a' that, and a' that, Their tinsel show, an' a' that
Despite their flashy displays and grandiose gestures, these people still cannot compare to the worth of an honest, respectable individual.
The honest man, tho' e'er sae poor, Is king o' men for a' that
Even if a man is poor, his honesty and integrity make him more honorable and worthy of respect than any king or nobleman.
Ye see yon birkie, ca'd a lord, Wha struts, an' stares, an' a' that
Look at that fellow over there, called a lord, who struts around and acts like he's better than everyone else.
Tho' hundreds worship at his word, He's but a coof for a' that
Even though many people worship and admire him, he's really just a fool like everyone else.
For a' that, an' a' that, His ribband, star, an' a' that
Despite his fancy decorations and awards, he is still just a man like the rest of us.
The man o' independent mind He looks an' laughs at a' that
A man with an independent mind can see through the illusions of wealth and status and laugh at them.
A prince can mak a belted knight, A marquis, duke, an' a' that
A prince can bestow titles upon people like knighthoods and dukedoms.
But an honest man's abon his might, Gude faith, he maunna fa' that
But an honest man's worth is above such titles and honors.
For a' that, an' a' that, Their dignities an' a' that
Despite their dignified titles, they are not greater or more worthy than an honest, respectable person.
The pith o' sense, an' pride o' worth, Are higher rank than a' that
The essence of good sense and self-respect are of greater value than all the titles and wealth in the world.
Then let us pray that come it may, As come it will for a' that
Let us hope and pray that the day will come when people will recognize the true worth of individuals regardless of their social or economic status.
That Sense and Worth, o'er a' the earth, shall bear the gree, an' a' that
That good sense and self-worth will reign supreme over the entire world.
For a' that, an' a' that, It's coming yet for a' that
Despite the current state of affairs, change is inevitable, and progress will be made.
That Man to Man, the world o'er, Shall brothers be for a' that
That all humans will be united as brothers and sisters, regardless of economic or social status.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Traditional Music
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind