Designed & produced by Eric Maclewis
© ericdentinger.com
2008-2024
The Parting Glass
(trad.)
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 to 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 to you all
So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befall
And gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to 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 unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all
(chorus)
A man may drink and not be drunk
A man may fight and not be slain
A man may court a pretty girl
And perhaps be welcomed back again
But since it has so ought to be
By a time to rise and a time to fall
Come fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all
So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befall
And gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all
Here is a serious partner of the famous Auld Lang Syne.
The lyrics were at least published in the Skene Manuscript (circa 1630) but many verses could be of a previous origin.
The air used to fit these words has changed many times: generally considered as a Scottish traditional tune, it has also several Irish or North-American roots.
So, let's drink the parting glass!
The Parting Glass
LYRICS
- score written by Eric Maclewis with CelticPipes
GAELIC AIR