"The Parting Glass" seems to be the most sought-after Irish traditional on this site ...
The Parting Glass
O, all the money e'er I had,
I spent it in good company.
And all the harm that ever I've 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 with you all.
O, all the comrades e'er I had,
They're sorry for my going away.
And all the sweethearts e'er I had,
They'd wished 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,
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,
That sorely 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.
I never cease to be amazed when I look at the statistics - the lyrics to "The Parting Glass" always seem to come out tops in searches performed on this site! Why is that so? Okay, it is a perfect song to round off an evening with friends, I guess. Or are there other reasons? Come on, constant reader, help me out here - what are the real reasons for the popularity of "The Parting Glass"?
