Lyrics from a broadside in the Bodleian collection: Harding B 26(498) - no date


THE PARTING GLASS

All the money that e’er I had, I spent it in good company,
And all the harm that e’er I done, alas! it is to none but me,
And all I’ve done for the want of wit, to memory now I can’t recall,
So fill to me the parting glass—good night and joy be with you all.

CHORUS: Be with you all—be with you all—good night and joy be with you all;
So fill to me the parting glass—good night and joy be with you all.

O! why are we to part so soon, and leave those scenes of gay delight,
Or why does yon declining moon proclaim that we must say good night
But if by death we are doomed to part, we’ll meet again in friendship’s call,
So fill to me the parting glass—good night and joy be with you all.

All the comrades that e’er I had, they’re sorry for me going away,
All the sweethearts e’er I had, they’d wish me one day more to stay,
But since it came unto my lot that I should rise and you should not,
I gently rise and with a smile; good night and joy be with you all.

If I had money enough to spend and leisure time to sit a while,
There’s a fair maid in this town that surely has my heart beguile.
Her rosy cheeks and her ruby lips I own she has my heart enthralled,
Then fill to me the parting glass; good night and joy be with you all.

Those feeling sighs can only tell how friendship weep that we must part,
Or where’s friendship knowing to dwell so pure as in an Irish heart;
And on that heart of Irish mood, and dire oppression ne’er fall
And may those feelings never grow cold; good night and joy be with you all.

When I am boosing off my quart, and none but strangers round me all,
My poor heart will surely break, when I am boosing far awa,
Far awa, oh, far awa, when I am boosing far awa,
My poor heart will surely break, when I am boosing far awa.