"A Man’s a Man for a’ That" by Robert Burns, A Poem for Motivation and Mental Health
Updated: 9 hours ago
As World Mental Health Day approaches, we asked our community a question: what writing, specifically poetry, has carried you through hard times, or pushed you forward when you needed it?
To launch the selection of submitted poems, we asked army veteran Steve Ward, President of Sandbag – The Veterans’ Society, to provide his own poem and a few words on its personal significance. His choice... Robert Burns' "A Man's a Man for A' That".
Says Steve "My grandfather was a great admirer of Burns and shared his birthday. In his flat, he had a small wooden plaque bearing the words, “The honest man, tho’ e’er sae poor, is king o’ men for a’ that.” That family connection gives the poem a particular significance for me.
What resonates with me is the idea that a person’s worth has nothing to do with wealth, rank or title. It is their character, their integrity and how they treat others that count. Having spent much of my life in uniform, that distinction means something to me. The people you respect most earn that respect through who they are.
There is something reassuring in that when life gets difficult. Circumstances can change, and the roles through which we define ourselves can disappear, but that does not diminish our worth. For me, the poem is a reminder to hold on to your dignity and recognise it in others. It is also a lovely reminder of my grandfather."
Robert Burns wrote "A Man's a Man for A' That" (also "For a' That and a' That") in 1795 during the Enlightenment era. The poem, actually a song, holds immense significance as an enduring celebration of egalitarianism, human dignity and universal brotherhood across all social classes.
The main message of this poem is simple: A person's true value comes from their honesty, good character and hard work, not from their money, social class or royal titles. The repeated phrase "for a' that" translates to "in spite of all that" or "regardless of all that". If you struggle with the original in Scottish-English, we provide a modern English version at bottom of page.
A Man’s a Man for a’ That
Is there, for honest poverty,
That hings his head, an' a' that?
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 tho' on hamely fare we dine,
Wear hoddin-gray, an' a' that;
Gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine,
A man's a man for a' that.
For a' that, an' a' that,
Their tinsel show an' a' that;
The honest man, tho' e'er sae poor,
Is king o' men for a' that.
Ye see yon birkie, ca'd a lord
Wha struts, an' stares, an' a' that;
Tho' hundreds worship at his word,
He's but a coof for a' that:
For a' that, an' a' that,
His riband, star, an' a' that,
The man o' independent mind,
He looks and laughs at a' that.
A prince can mak a belted knight,
A marquis, duke, an' a' that;
But an honest man's aboon his might,
Guid faith he mauna 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,
May bear the gree, an' a' that.
For a' that, an' a' that,
It's coming yet, for a' that,
That man to man, the warld o'er,
Shall brothers be for a' that.
This video captures the essence and spirit of the poem. (although unfortunately the video is low resoltion only, it has by far the most views)
Learn more about Robert Burns here.
Final Thoughts
Poetry can give words to feelings that are sometimes difficult to express directly. Reading a poem, or writing one ourselves, can help us pause, reflect and make sense of experiences that might otherwise feel confusing or overwhelming. It can create a little space between what we feel and how we respond.
Is there a piece of literature or poetry that has affected, supported or inspired you?
Poetry isn't a substitute for professional support when we need it, but it can be a simple and accessible tool for reflection and emotional wellbeing. Sometimes, a few carefully chosen words can help us see our own experience from a different perspective. Mental health is also be supported by adopting simple daily practices, to build the foundations of health.
And if you are an active or ex-service member in Singapore, consider joining Sandbag Asia, a registered society and support network for those in - or now out - of uniform.
With thanks to Steve Ward (LinkedIn) President of Sandbag – The Veterans’ Society, and Founder of Polestar Advisory
Stay Healthy,
Alastair
Related Resources and Studies
A Man’s a Man for a’ That
Is anyone ashamed of being poor,
Hanging their head because of it?
We walk right past that cowardly person,
Because we are brave enough to be poor despite it all!
In spite of all that, and all that,
Our humble, unrecognized hard work, and all that;
Social rank is just the stamp on a gold coin;
The person themselves is the actual gold, regardless of titles.
So what if we eat plain food,
And wear cheap, rough grey clothes?
Give fools their silks and bad people their wine,
An honest person is still a valuable human being despite it all.
In spite of all that, and all that,
Their flashy, fake luxury, and all that;
An honest person, no matter how poor,
Is a king among men, in spite of everything.
Do you see that arrogant fellow called a "lord"
Who struts around, staring down at people?
Even if hundreds of people bow to his word,
He is still just a fool despite his title.
In spite of all that, and all that,
His ribbons, medals, and all that;
A person with an independent mind
Looks at all of that and just laughs.
A prince can create a knight,
A marquis, a duke, and all that;
But making an honest man is beyond a prince's power,
In good faith, he cannot create that!
In spite of all that, and all that,
Their official titles, and all that;
Good common sense and a sense of self-worth
Are a much higher rank than any royal title.
So let us pray that a day comes
And it definitely will come, in spite of everything
Where good sense and true worth, all over the earth,
Will win the ultimate prize and rule the day.
In spite of all that, and all that,
That day is coming, despite it all,
When all people across the whole world
Will live together as brothers and equals.
Studies and Resources
Kassab A, Jayatunge R, Bou Khalil R. The therapeutic functions of poetry in mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res. 2026 Feb;356:116897. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2025.116897. Epub 2025 Dec 11. PMID: 41411711.
Johnson-Laird PN, Oatley K. How poetry evokes emotions. Acta Psychol (Amst). 2022 Apr;224:103506. doi: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103506. Epub 2022 Jan 29. PMID: 35101737.
Tracy, D. (2021). Veterans’ self-expression in poetry. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 7(1), 108–112. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2020-0005
Resources
Help for Heroes
WHO: World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2026, "Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change"
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