Lyrics

Parting Glass

Of all the money ere I had, I spent it in good company,
And all the harm I’ve ever done, alas was to none but me.
And all I’ve done for want of wit, to memory now I can’t recall.
So fill me to the parting glass, goodnight and joy be with you all.

If I had money enough to spend and leisure time to sit awhile,
There is a fair maid in this town who sorely has my heart beguiled.
Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips, I own she has my heart in thrall.
So fill me to the parting glass – goodnight, and joy be with you all.

Of all the comrades ere I had, they’re sorry for my going away,
And all the sweethearts ere I had , they wish me one more day to stay,
But since it falls unto my lot that I should go and you should not,
I’ll gently rise and softly call, goodnight and joy be with you all.

Song Notes

From Wikipedia:  “The Parting Glass” is a Scottish traditional song, often sung at the end of a gathering of friends. It was purportedly the most popular parting song sung in Scotland before Robert Burns wrote “Auld Lang Syne”.  It has also long been sung in Ireland, enjoying considerable popularity to this day.

This song was used as a closing number at King Richard’s Faire well before my return to the cast in 1985. At KRF the middle verse was dropped for brevity, but I find it very sweet.  — Dean Calin

“This is a very traditional Irish song for singing at the end of an evening, a gathering or an event. Probably the only song more common, as a wrap-up, is the Soldier’s Song, the national anthem of Ireland.” — From the former Cantarea web site.