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This is a patriotic song of Scotland which has been used for long as the unofficial national anthem. The verses were written by Burns in the form of speech, before the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, when Scotland maintained its independence from England. The poet, who appears to have been overwhelmed by the vision of a free Scotland, has written the lyrics of this song to a traditional Scottish tune which was played by the Scottish army at the Battle.

At the time, Robert the Bruce was the king of Scotland who led the army into battle with the English and established the country as an important power to be dealt with. Thus, he restored the Scottish pride for all they had endured "for a' that" and for fighting for the rights of the common man. And if the poet portrayed them as great drinkers and lovers, then well, so much the better!