Ruth Leon recommends…. The Parting Glass – Face Vocal Band

The Parting Glass – Face Vocal Band

Here is my confession du jour – I know next to nothing about traditional Irish music. Neither had I ever heard of the Face Vocal Band despite what I subsequently found out to be their sold out live appearances and hit recordings. And I could have gone to my grave in ignorance until a regular reader sent me this hauntingly beautiful song – The Parting Glass – with her one-word commentary – “Glorious”. I agree. Its origins in the 15th century are Scottish but it is now generally accepted to be part of the cherished canon of great Irish songs.

For those as ignorant as me, you might like to know what I have discovered about the actual ‘parting glass’. It was a stirrup cup offered to a departing guest as the final hospitality to fortify them for their travels. Once they had mounted, they were presented one final drink. This is a custom dating back to Saxon times. It is now most usually sung at Irish funerals and wakes if, that is, someone can be found to sing it. No matter our religion, nationality or belief  system, we should all have this played at our funerals for its artistry and its joy.
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Although the Band’s diction is excellent I’ve appended the lyrics at the end in case you want to quote them.

Lyrics for 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 to none but me
And all I’ve done for want of wit
To memory 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 befalls
Then 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 fell into my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I’ll gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all
Fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befalls
Then gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all
La ra la ra la la La lala lala la la La ra lala la la La la la lala la la
But since it fell into my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I’ll gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all
So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befalls
Then gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all
Good night and joy be to you all

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