The Parting Glass is one of my favorite songs. I always thought it was an Irish air when I was growing up, but have since discovered it's originally Scottish.

Table of Contents
An Old Celtic Tune
This song is evidence of the ties between Ireland and Scotland. With a strong crossover between the two traditions, this air has been truly embraced by the Irish.
Here on my website I have not yet posted much about Irish music I listen to. So today I thought it was high time to start sharing some of my favorite songs.
UCD Choral Scholars Perform The Parting Glass
Here is a lovely arrangement and performance of The Parting Glass by the UCD Choral Scholars. A big thanks to a good friend who introduced me to this video.
What a beautiful rendition of this traditional air. I hope this talented choral group releases a CD of Irish songs someday.
A Song That Resonates With The Soul
When I like a song, I love to mull over the reasons why it resonates with me. The Parting Glass paints a lovely picture of friends taking leave. Yet the words go deeper.
On first hearing these simple lines reflect a gathering of true friends, who accept each other completely, who bear no ill will, and truly enjoy each other's company.
But the more you listen, the more you realize this song may refer to the last parting between friends and family, a celebration of life, friendship, youth, and love. This song is often sung at Irish and Scottish funerals.
The Parting Glass - Lyrics
"Of all the money that e'er I had,
I spent it in good company.
And of all the harm that e'er I've done,
Alas! it was to none but me.
And all I've done for want of wit
To my memory now I can't recall
So fill to me a parting glass
Good night and joy be with 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 now for my going away,
And of all the sweethearts that e'er I've had,
They would wish me one more day to stay,
But since it falls unto my lot,
That I should rise and you should not,
I'll gently rise and softly call,
Good night and joy be with you all.
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 home again.
But since it has so ought to be,
A time to rise and a time to fall,
Fill to me a parting glass,
Good night and joy be with you all.
So, good night and joy be with you all."
The second verse brings a tear to my eye, every time I hear it. Those simple, powerful words are the soul of this song for me. They honor the triumph of a simple, loyal life.
And so whether we sing this song as a celebration of good company, or of a life lived to the full, may the words inspire us to always be true to ourselves. May our lives always reflect the spirited love of true friendships.
Album By The UCD Choral Scholars
Good news! The UCD Choral Scholars have released a new album that is now available for purchase on iTunes, called The Parting Glass.

Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Irish Music
- Unique Instruments in Irish Music
- The Rocky Road to Dublin: A Short Guide
- It's a Long Way to Tipperary - The History of This Famous Song
- The History and Origins of Traditional Irish Music
Books
- Our Irish Heritage - A Kid's Guide to the Irish Diaspora and Irish National Anthem
- An Irish Tour Following in the Footsteps of Saint Brigid
- Did You Know These 7 Authors Were Irish?
- Kelcie Murphy And The Academy For The Unbreakable Arts
Sheila
What a fantastic version of The Parting Glass. Thanks for sharing. It is one of my favorite Irish songs too.
Irish American Mom
Sheila - So glad you enjoyed this lovely rendition.
All the best,
Mairéad
Aimee
What a wonderful arrangement with beautiful lyrics! I'm so happy to see you posting on Irish music- I'll be excitedly awaiting more from you on this subject. 🙂
Terry Johnson
At my daughter's request" The Parting Glass" was the parting song played at her wedding July of 2009. Makes me tearful every time I hear it. The poignant rendition you shared brought back all the happy memories of that night. My heartfelt thanks. TMJ
Irish American Mom
Terry - What a wonderful idea to play this song at the end of a wedding. It truly is a song for many of life's great occasions. I'm happy to hear this version stirred happy memories for you of such a joyful family celebration.
Best wishes, and thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
Aimee - I am far from a music expert, but I have some favorite Irish songs and artists I will definitely share over the coming weeks and months. This arrangement of The Parting Glass really is amazing.
Take care,
Mairéad
Chris B
Mairéad,
I have a lovely thought that it might have been also sung as so many Irish during the famine were lifting that final glass with family too. Though I have to say I've heard it is mostly used at funerals and what a grand send off at wakes to family and friends.
Irish American Mom
Chris - I think you could be right. The Parting Glass has been sung by the Irish through the ages to mark our goodbyes, both happy and sad. Your comment has got me thinking about Irish goodbyes. There are little cultural nuances and superstitions around bidding farewell in Ireland. For example, when you leave a home after your very first visit to that house, you must leave by the same door you entered (at least that's what my mother told me). I think I will have to write a post about Irish goodbyes.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
Chris B
That would be a fascinating article, since though I am sure my grandparents had many such cultural traditions I have no memories of the ones with bidding farewell, or leaving. I cannot wait to read it! 🙂
Penny Wolf
Wow! I love how the lyrics fit so many occasions in a person's life. Just like a cardigan sweater,3 out of 4 seasons. Thank you so much.
Irish American Mom
Penny - It's amazing how lyrics written in the 1700's are still relevant to this very day - definitely the sign of a good song.
All the best,
Mairéad
P.S. I love your cardigan analogy too.
brian@irelandfavorites
Hi Mairead, One of my favorites too, I think my favorite version is the one in waking Ned Divine by Shaun Davey, followed closely by Ronnie Drew's version in tribute to Luke Kellys passing. Wouldn't it be nice if one of these talented singers of the UCD choir would take up the banner of tradition folk music, continue the tradition, maybe a legend in waiting. Thanks for the excuse to talk music,
Cheers,
Brian.
brian@irelandfavorites
You might like this modern version also http://www.irelandfavorites.com/irish-folk-music-meets-the-walking-dead/.html
Irish American Mom
Amazing, Brian - a song written in the 1700's sure has staying power when it lasts through apocalyptic zombie times. This really is a lovely version. Thanks for sharing the link.
Have a lovely weekend.
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
Brian - I love those two versions of the Parting Glass too, and I also like Liam Clancy's rendition. And who knows, you may be right, there could be a legend in waiting amongst the amazing voices of the UCD choir.
All the best,
Mairéad
Vincent
That was sung at Liam Clancy's graveside http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUgEYl4V_AE
Irish American Mom
Vincent - What a fitting tribute to a talented artist.
All the best,
Mairéad
barbara Allan Hite
I have some Irish and some Scottish blood in me, but even more of the spirit and soul especially when I hear a song like this. I hadn't heard it before in my life. Just tonight in a film. They didn't give the title, and all I could hear well was the last lines... about filing a glass and leaving joy Thanks to you and Google !! I am 81 years and thinking of leaving and this might see me out! Thanks again!
Irish American Mom
Dear Barbara - I'm so happy that you found this beautiful song. Wishing you happiness always and may your upcoming days, months and years bring you contentment and peace. Thanks so much for sharing your lovely thoughts about this traditional ballad.
Best wishes,
Mairéad