The Parting Glass

Popularised recently in Waking Ned Devine, this song is one of my absolute favorites.

It's documented, pretty much word for word, back into the 1770s, and according to some sources, is set to a tune that dates back into the 1600s.


The Parting Glass

Of all the money that e'er I had,
I spent it in good company.
And all the harm I've ever done
Alas! It was too none but me.
And all I've done for want of wit
To mem'ry now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

Of all the comrades that e'er I had,
They're sorry for my going away.
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had
They'd wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls into my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be with you all.

If I had money enough to spend
And leisure time to sit a while
There is a fair maid in this town
That surely has my heart beguiled
Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips
I own she has my heart in thrall
Then fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all.


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