Parting songs

Subject: PARTING SONGS
From: Ian HP
Date: 13 Aug 98 - 08:26 PM

I am looking for a good parting song to end my set with. Any suggestions?

See also This thread

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: alison
Date: 13 Aug 98 - 08:42 PM

Hi,

It's hard to beat "The Parting Glass", unless of course you want to go off with a rousing chorus song and leave them all singing. "Will ye go, lassie go" is also a goodie.

Slainte

alison

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Aug 98 - 09:52 PM

I like SO LONG IT'S BEEN GOOD TO KNOW YUH. It's fun to make up extra verses, and I see the database has verses I didn't know about from Homer and Jethro.
A more serious song that's wonderful for parting is IT'S A PLEASURE TO KNOW YOU - anybody got the tune for that one?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: Tune Add: IT'S A PLEASURE TO KNOW YOU
From: Barbara
Date: 13 Aug 98 - 11:16 PM

Hey Joe, I couldn't get the DT midi to play (either?) but I could ship it to Musictime, turn it into sheet music and then back to a midi, and then feed it to Alan's conversion program. It played for me in Musictime. Does it play for you this way?
Blessings,
Barbara

MIDI file: plesr2.mid

Timebase: 240

TimeSig: 3/4 24 8
Tempo: 140 (428571 microsec/crotchet)
Name: Staff 1 Voice 1
Start
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End

This program is worth the effort of learning it.

To download the March 10 MIDItext 98 software and get instructions on how to use it click here

ABC format:

X:1
T:Staff 1 Voice 1
M:3/4
Q:1/4=140
K:C
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D6|-D2E4|-E6|E4G2|-G6|E6|-E2C4|-C2^D4|-^D2D4|
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D6|G,6|-G,6|G,G,5|-G,2E2G2|E2C4|-C2C4|-C2C7/2||

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Barbara
Date: 13 Aug 98 - 11:21 PM

Oh, that should be three variations on the tune for Pleasure To Know You. I assume someone transcribed two harmony parts. I know the song, Faith Petric has it on her Womanchild tape, I think. Believe the lowest notes are the melody. Want me to ship you *just* the tune?
That *was* what you were getting at, right? That the CLICK in the data base doesn't play?
It is a good song, have fun.
Blessings

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Aug 98 - 11:36 PM

Uhhhhh. No, Barbara. I SWEAR that tune for "Pleasure to Know You" wasn't in the database last time I looked, but i guess I didn't look hard enough. The online MIDI works for me, too. I'll print it out and have my sweetie doctor it up - now that I know it's there, I'm sure she can fix it so it sounds right.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Martin Ryan
Date: 14 Aug 98 - 06:04 AM

"Health to the Company" (in the DT) is often sung as the final number at singing sessions in Ireland. Its a bit more upbeat than 'The Parting Glass"! Mind you, some of the phrases have been knocked about so much as to be nearly meaningless.

The tune in the DT is basically correct - but the phrasing is odd. It's usually sung in much more even time.

Regards

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Mountain Dog
Date: 14 Aug 98 - 10:25 AM

Pickin friends of mine and I often lean toward "And We Bid You Good Night" as a closer. There's a version in the DT and Aaron Neville does a nice rendition (with Ry Cooder on guitar) on his "Warm Your Heart" CD.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Alice
Date: 14 Aug 98 - 11:28 AM

My favorite, "Farewell, But Whenever", lyrics Thomas Moore. Email to me if you can't find the words or tune. [e-mail]

Alice in Montana

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Jon W.
Date: 14 Aug 98 - 01:33 PM

I've always dreamed of ending a concert with John O' Dreams.
--Jon

Subject: Lyr Add: FAREWELL! BUT WHENEVER (Thomas Moore)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 14 Aug 98 - 02:39 PM

OK, Alice, I found

“Farewell! - but whenever you welcome the hour,
That awakens the night-song of mirth in your bower,
Then think of the friend who once welcomed it too,
And forgot his own griefs to be happy with you.”

-and-

Long, long be my heart with such memories fill'd!
Like the vase in which roses have once been distill'd:
You may break, you may shatter the vase if you will,
But the scent of the roses will hang round it still.

-Thomas Moore, Farewell! But Whenever

That's all I could find on the Web. Did you offer to post the lyrics and tune for us?
Hmmmm?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Ian HP
Date: 14 Aug 98 - 02:43 PM

Thanks a million for all your contributions, folks, which I am currently following up. Any other suggestions anyone?

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Art Thieme
Date: 14 Aug 98 - 06:11 PM

Woody's "So Long It's Been Good To Know Ya"

Art

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Roger Himler
Date: 14 Aug 98 - 06:53 PM

Ian,

The Weavers, I believe, often ended with "Goodnight, Irene," Lead Belly's greatest hit (posthumously unfortunately). A rousing sing-a-long chorus.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Kiwi
Date: 14 Aug 98 - 08:22 PM

Let's see. For myself, I've always favored "The Parting Glass" as well, having picked up the tradition of ending every Celtic mix tape with it from a friend. Some other goods ones: "The Minstrel Shows" (it's in the database) "The Keg of Brandy"

Slán, Kiwi

Subject: Lyr Add: FAREWELL BUT WHENEVER (Thomas Moore)
From: Alice
Date: 14 Aug 98 - 09:30 PM

OK, Joe, I got your message. I don't check into the Mudcat as often as I used to.

From listening to the recording of Mary O'Hara of Farewell But Whenever, these are the lyrics I memorized:

FAREWELL BUT WHENEVER
lyrics, Thomas Moore

Farewell, but whenever you welcome the hour
That awakens the night-song of mirth in your bower,
Then think of the friend who once welcomed it too,
And forgot his own griefs to be happy with you.
His griefs may return, not a home may remain,
Of the view that had brightened his pathway of pain,
But he ne'er will forget the short vision which threw,
It's enchantment around him, while lingering with you.

And still on that evening when pleasure fills up,
To the highest top sparkle each heart and each cup,
Where 'ere my path lies, be it gloomy or bright,
My soul, happy friends, shall be with you that night.
Shall join in your revels, your sports, and your wiles,
And return to me beaming, all, all with your smiles.
Too, blessed if it tells me that amid the day of cheer,
Some kind voice had murmered, I wish you were here.

Let fate do her worst, there are relics of joy,
Bright dreams of the past, which she cannot destroy,
Which come in the night time of sorrow and care,
And bring back the features that joy used to wear.
Long, long be my heart with such memories filled,
As that vase in which roses had once been distilled.
You may break, you may shatter that vase if you will,
But the scent of the roses will hang around it still.
^^ Mary O'Hara does an exquisite job of this song. My personal favorite farewell song.... I think this may be in Allan C.'s wonderful thrift store discovery of the old Thomas Moore book of music. Are you reading this thread, Allan? Are these words correct?

Alice in Montana

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Alice
Date: 14 Aug 98 - 09:38 PM

STOP! STOP! It posted wrong.... how did that line disappear? In the first verse, it begins...

"Farewell, but whenever you welcome the hour
That awakens the night song of mirth in your bower
Then think of the friend who once welcomed it too,
And forgot his own griefs to be happy with you."

Joe, I see that you also asked for the tune. I don't have the time to work out the abc.. maybe someone else has it. I do have a request of you, can you go back into my message just before this one and add the second line that got left out? It would sure make it easier for people trying to copy the lyrics.

Alice in Montana

You left out one closing angle bracket, Alice, and it made your line disappear. All better now....
-Joe-

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Barry Finn
Date: 14 Aug 98 - 11:15 PM

Well Ye No come Back Again (in the DT)
Derwentwater's Farewell (in the DT)
Another Time & Place (Dave Van Ronk)
Stor m Chroi
Off To California
Busk, Busk, Bonny Lassie (in the DT)
Lizzie Lindsay (in the DT)
Jim Jones (in the DT)
Shellbach Song ((Ewan MacColl) (in the DT)
Sonny's Dream (Ron Hynes)(in the DT)
Goodbye My Lover Goodbye (prison)
Old Paint (in the DT)
Sweet Rosie Anna (Bye Bye My Rosie Anna)

I guess many of the outward bound /farewell shanties may fit in here along with transportion/immigration songs & some of the prison songs. Barry

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Sir
Date: 15 Aug 98 - 12:35 AM

How 'bout
"Lonesome Road"

Look down, look down
That lonesome road
Hang down your head and cry.
The best of friends
Must part sometime
And why not you and I.
Weary totin' such a load
Lookin' down that lonesome road.
Look down, look down
That lonesome road
Hang down your head and cry.

Another sad farewell is "McPherson's Lament."

Pete Seeger & Arlo Guthrie had a happier song at the end of their concert LP which they put out in the mid '70's which worked well - I'm sure Joe Offer or someone can help me out on the name of the song which kept repeating "Bye-bye, Bye-bye, Bye-bye, Bye-bye"

If you're lookin' for fun ending you could always play "The Merry-go-round broke down" (The music that ended Looney Tunes shows with Porky Pig's "That's All Folks!")

Or if your audience is pretty astute you could play the ending of Haydn's "Farewell Symphony" in which the members of the orchestra leave the stage section by section as they finish playing. (It was Haydn's reminder to his patron that the musicians wanted to go home to see their families)

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Barbara
Date: 15 Aug 98 - 01:46 AM

I like something fairly stirring with a good singalong chorus. Besides those mentioned here already, I like "No Time to Tarry Here" and "Singers Request". For a slower, sadder farewell, I love "Here is My Home" by Si Kahn, and the sea chanty "Shallow Brown".
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From:
Date: 15 Aug 98 - 02:55 AM

I like MIRK'S "Tak a dram afore ye go"

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: JB3
Date: 15 Aug 98 - 03:42 AM

In the database you may find:
Jamaica Farewell by Lord Burgess,
Sammy's Bar by Cyril Tawney
The Farewell Shanty by Mervyn Vincent
The Grey Funnel Line by Cyril Tawney
Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore
Happy Trails to You by Dale Evans

Perhaps not strictly parting songs, I also like:

Hard Times Come Again No More by Stephen Foster
Drive Dull Care Away
You've Been a Friend to Me by the Carter Family

Three lovely parting songs I couldn't find in the DT are:

Farewell True Love, Remember Me, traditional Irish
Give Me an Ivy Leaf
The Time Draws Near (also called My Dearest Dear}

There are a number of camp-meeting songs that are good evening-enders.

Bright Morning Stars
Camp a Little While in the Wilderness
Good Friends Now Our Meeting is Over
Rainbow 'Round His Shoulders

At Berea Christmas Country Dance School, we always end the evening with Goodnight Beloved Mine.

Two more, really sad ones:

Time Has Made a Change in Me
Carrick Fergus

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Aug 98 - 05:25 AM

Sir, are you trying to trick me into typing lyrics? I don't have time for lyrics typing right now, but Pete Seeger and Arlo Guthrie ended their 1975 "Together in Concert" album with "Quite Early Morning" and then the song you're thinking of, "Sweet Rosyanne." It's a great album, but my cassette is very old and squawky. Sure wish they'd release it on CD.
On their second concert album, Pete and Arlo finished with "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone" and "Precious Friend Will You Be There." All four are terrific parting songs, I think.
-Joe Offer-

Anybody know how to fix squawky, 20-yr-old cassettes?

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Ian HP
Date: 15 Aug 98 - 05:52 AM

Wow! Thank you, thank you, for all your suggestions! I personally am trying to steer clear of songs like Mountain Thyme, Irene, and Parting Glass, because I have often heard them done by others as parting songs to end gigs. Thanks you all. It may seem greedy to ask - but any more suggestions?!

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Aug 98 - 05:55 AM

Well, on the third Pete and Arlo album, they sing Elvis' "Can't Help Falling In Love with You" just before intermission. Works great.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Ian HP
Date: 15 Aug 98 - 07:52 AM

Joe, I don't know how to fix 20 year old cassettes, but whenever I have anything dearly beloved on tape I make a copy and play the copy. If, years down the line, it should do a wobbly on me, I copy again from the barely played original. I know this doesn't help now, but perhaps in the future . . . Regards, Ian.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Big Mick
Date: 15 Aug 98 - 12:54 PM

An Irish group by the name of Barley Bree closed with a lovely one that had a title of "Here's to Song". I will try to find the old tape and dig out the lyrics.

Big Mick

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Aug 98 - 01:44 PM

All the Good People by Ken Hicks, is a great closing song. It's in the "Rise Up Singing" songbook, and it's the title song on one of the Golden Ring CD's from Folk-Legacy Records. Click on the title to get to the lyrics.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: lingolucky
Date: 15 Aug 98 - 03:03 PM

One of my favorites is Liverpool Farerwell..ane G.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Aug 98 - 07:42 PM

Click here to get to "Sweet Roseanne." It's not quite the way Pete Seeger sings it, but you'll get the idea.
Click here for "Quite Early Morning."
-Joe Offer-

Subject: Lyr Add: HERE IS MY HOME (Si Kahn)
From: Barbara
Date: 15 Aug 98 - 10:11 PM

This is on Signs of the Times, John McCutcheon and Si Kahn. He sings it with the second and fourth lines as a response, and invites the audience to sing all the chorus. Finally, he invites them to sing the chorus one more time, and leaves the stage while they are singing.

HERE IS MY HOME
Si Kahn

Good friends from whom we now must part,
Where are we bound?
Your hands and voices lift my heart;
Here is my home.

CHORUS:
Come darkness, come light
Where are we bound?
Come morning, come night
Here is my home.

For those who work in harmony,
Where are we bound?
Can learn to live in unity;
Here is my home.

If we can join ourselves in song,
Where are we bound?
Our hearts will live when we are gone;
Here is my home.

The spirit that finds music here
Where are we bound?
Will sing forever in the air
Here is my home.
^^

Subject: Lyr Add: THAT LONESOME ROAD (James Taylor)^^
From: Kiwi
Date: 16 Aug 98 - 01:03 PM

Another one that I forgot... it's really a rather sad kind of parting song. It's about going away all by yourself.

"THAT LONESOME ROAD" -- James Taylor

Walk down that lonesome road all by yourself
Don't turn your head back over your shoulder
And only stop to rest yourself when the silver moon
Is shining high above the trees

If I had stopped to listen once or twice
If I had closed my mouth and opened my eyes
If I had cooled my head and warmed my heart
I'd not be on this road tonight

Carry on
Never mind feeling sorry for yourself
It doesn't save you from your troubled mind

Walk down that lonesome road all by yourself
Don't turn your head back over your shoulder
And only stop to rest yourself when the silver moon
Is shining high above the trees

Sad, but godly beautiful. And the King's Singers have done a cover of it in layered harmony that makes my knees week. And I'm firmly sure that this song helped me pass this year's tortuous Advanced Math course - I listened to it the whole time I studied. :)

Slán, Kiwi

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 19-Feb-2001.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 16 Aug 98 - 08:27 PM

One of my favourites comes from The McCalmans - Bound To Go. Which reminds me, a musical friend borrowed my only copy of the CD. If it's not in the DT I'll get it back and transcribe.

Regards John

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: CarterNut
Date: 16 Aug 98 - 10:43 PM

Another song about parting is "Lover's Return" by the Carter Family. "Farewell, I think I'll love you yet.....". It was posted previously under the thread named "Carter Family Lyrics".

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: bethann
Date: 17 Aug 98 - 09:28 AM

i'm partial to lyle lovett's 'closing time' from his 1st cd titled lyle lovett.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Sophie
Date: 17 Aug 98 - 09:36 AM

I don't know whethere you're primarily a singer or whether you also play tunes, but whenever I get the last "word" I like to leave "O'Carolan's Farewell to Music" hanging in the air. Sophie

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Wolfgang Hell
Date: 17 Aug 98 - 10:49 AM

John in Brisbane,

"Bound to go" of the McCalmans? I only heard them singing "Mount and go", a Robert Burns song. Do you know whether "Bound to go" uses the structure and melody of the older song? I'd like to see the lyrics anyway.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Animaterra
Date: 17 Aug 98 - 04:07 PM

There's the Shaker tune, "Now my friends the meeting is over".

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Ian HP
Date: 17 Aug 98 - 05:38 PM

Animaterra, I don't know that Shaker song. Where can I get hold of words/tune (can't find it on the database)?

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 17 Aug 98 - 10:10 PM

Hi Wolfgang,

Just had a look and listen to 'Mount and Go' in the DT. While The McCalmans have adapted a number of Burns writings, both the lyric structure and tune seem to be quite different.

The lyrics that I can recall to 'Bound To Go' are as follows (I may be mixing up some of the verses):

We are three lowland travellers And now we must away It's hullo and goodbye Are the words we mostly say, We might see you in the autimn When the leaves are falling round So farewell good people We're all bound to go

Bound to go, bound to go, So farewell good people We're all bound to go.

Some asides:

- The DT does not acknowledge Burns as the author of 'Mount and Go'.

- I couldn't download the on-line tune for 'Mount and Go', but was able to do so from the ever reliable, non GUI download version of the entire DT. Well done Mr Greenhaus and others. The old-fashioned version is still exceedingly useful.

Regards John

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Animaterra
Date: 18 Aug 98 - 09:27 AM

I can't remember which Folk Legacy recording has it; I think it's the original Sandy and Caroline Paton recording (still in print as far as I know):

Now my friends, the meeting is over, sisters we must part
And if I never see you anymore, I will love you in my heart;
REFRAIN We will land on shore (3x)
And be safe forevermore.
(Repeat verse inserting brothers, mothers, fathers, friends, etc.)

Libana also does a vs but I like the Sandy and Caroline vs better.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Jack (Who is called Jack)
Date: 18 Aug 98 - 06:31 PM

Goodnight, A Thousand Goodnights - was the trademark parting song for Martin, Bogan & Armstrong.

I Also suggest

There's a Long Long Trail a Winding. (But do the whole thing, the verses, which are in a minor key, and the chorus that anyone who was a scout will know.)

That Old Gang of Mine. (you cant go wrong with a schmaltzy golden oldie.

Your nobody till sombody loves you. (ditto).

Subject: Lyr Add: NOW MY FRIENDS THE MEETING IS OVER
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 18 Aug 98 - 10:15 PM

There are many variants on "Now My Friends the Meeting Is Over," which I've always thought of as a Southern Appalachian song rather than a Shaker one.

1. Mothers, Now our meeting is over, and surely we must part
2. But if I never see you any more, I will love you in my heart
3. And we'll sail on the sea
4. And we'll land on the shore
5. And we'll land on the shore
6. And we'll sing forevermore.

For line 1, you then substitute other family members (Fathers, Brothers, Sisters), or "Now my Friends...". Line 3 is sometimes sung "Land on the shore" like lines 4 and 5, and Line 6 can also be sung as "And be saved forevermore". There are other variations as well. The first time I heard the song, in one week I heard versions by Helen Schneyer, Jean Ritchie, Craig Johnson and a couple of other people as well. (It was Vocal Week at Augusta in 1984.) The version above is my synthesis of all the variants I was exposed to.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: Lyr Add: FAREWELL BUT WHENEVER (Thomas Moore)
From: Allan C.
Date: 19 Aug 98 - 07:58 AM

Yes, Alice, I am here. I have yet to hear the tune for this song, but the poetry along with the sentiments seem perfect for a parting song. For the most part, your lyrics were correct. I submit the corrected version here:

FAREWELL BUT WHENEVER
(Note that in my book no song titles are given. They are all listed by first line.)

lyrics, Thomas Moore

Farewell, but whenever you welcome the hour
That awakens the night-song of mirth in your bower,
Then think of the friend who once welcomed it too,
And forgot his own griefs to be happy with you.
His griefs may return, not a hope may remain,
Of the few that had brightened his pathway of pain,
But he ne'er will forget the short vision that threw,
It's enchantment around him, while lingering with you.

And still on that evening when pleasure fills up,
To the highest top sparkle each heart and each cup,
Where 'ere my path lies, be it gloomy or bright,
My soul, happy friends, shall be with you that night.
Shall join in your revels, your sports, and your wiles,
And return to me beaming, all, all with your smiles.
Too, blessed if it tells me that 'mid the gay cheer,
Some kind voice had murmered, "I wish he were here!"

Let fate do her worst, there are relics of joy,
Bright dreams of the past, which she cannot destroy,
Which come in the night time of sorrow and care,
And bring back the features that joy used to wear.
Long, long be my heart with such memories filled,
Like the vase in which roses have once been distilled.
You may break, you may ruin the vase if you will,
But the scent of the roses will hang 'round it still.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Sir
Date: 19 Aug 98 - 02:35 PM

"All Through the Night"

"Bright Morning Stars Are Shining"

"May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You"

"Blest Be the Tie That Binds"

"May the Road Rise to Meet You"

"Hey Bartender" (Blues Brothers cover)

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Art Thieme
Date: 19 Aug 98 - 03:16 PM

Joe,

To "fix" badly deterriorated reel-to-reel tapes from about that era, we had to be bake those in a convection oven. That'd set the oxide so they could be played ONE TIME and copied. Several cuts from old reels that will be on my almost ready new recording were saved that way thanks to Rich Warren of WFMT Radio in Chicago and Tom Martin-Erickson of Wisconsin Public Radio. Not sure what to do with a cassette, but I suspect the tape could be removed, baked, recontructed and then copied.

Good luck !

Art

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Cuilionn
Date: 19 Aug 98 - 03:40 PM

Dinnae ken how this wuid wairk for endin' a set, but our ceilidhs tend tae close wi' th' Scots Gaelic song, "Chi Mi Na Morbheanna." ("I will see the great mountains.") We've had guid success teachin' th' chorus tae th' crood, an' it's a song aboot luikin' for'ard tae guid times an' guid friends meetin' agin, sae it's maist appropriate. Anither guid closin' tune for folk whae ken oor appreciate th' Gaelic wuid be "Soraidh Leibh 's Oidhche Mhath Leibh," which translates roughly tae mean "Blessings gae wi' ye, and a guid nicht." I'm thinkin' they use that back on th' Auld Sod an' up in Cape Breton as weel. It's richt excitin' tae get a crood singin' alang wi' a Gaelic chorus, as it build a bridge atween them an' th' tradition an' build a bit o' hope for th' future. I tell ye, Celtic musicians wuid be daein' th' wairld a sairvice tae kindle interest an' hope in' sic a way.

An beannacht ort,

--Holly

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Elaine,
Date: 20 Aug 98 - 09:44 AM

Holly,

Can you please post the lyrics to Chi Mi Na Morbheanna? Thanks

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: belter
Date: 21 Aug 98 - 03:51 PM

I was going to sugjest Good Night Irean, but some one beat me to it. It was the last song the group ever performed.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: belter
Date: 21 Aug 98 - 03:53 PM

To clarify, I ment the last song the Weavers performed in public.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Alice
Date: 21 Aug 98 - 06:07 PM

Hey, Allan C., thank you so much! I'm glad you responded. I envy you that old book!! What a treasure.

I once was searching an out-of-print book website for Thomas Moore books, and found that there is a book about Mary O'Hara titled "The Scent of the Roses". I just love this song. It never fails to evoke emotion from the listeners.>BR<

Alice

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Wolfgang
Date: 24 Aug 98 - 08:49 AM

Hi John in Brisbane,

thanks for replying so quickly (I'm only here about once a week) with the lyrics. Yes, it's another song.

Wolfgang

Subject: Lyr Add: A WEE DEOCH-AN-DORIS^^^
From: Ralph Butts
Date: 24 Aug 98 - 10:27 AM

I'm surprised no one has mentioned this one (from the International Lyrics Server)....Tiger

A WEE DEOCH-AN-DORIS
(Harry Lauder)

1. There's a good old Scottish custom that has stood the test o' time,
It's a custom that's been carried out in every land and clime,
Where brother Scots forgather, it's aye the usual thing,
Just before we say goodnicht, we fill our cups and sing:

CHORUS: Just a wee deoch-an-doris, just a wee drap, that's a'
Just a wee deoch-an-doris, before we gang awa'
There's a wee wifie waiting in a wee but-an-ben
If you can say, “It's a braw bricht moonlicht nicht,” well, you're all richt, ye ken.

2. I like a man that is a man, a man that's straight and fair,
A sort o' man who will and can in all things do his share.
I like a man, a jolly man, the sort o' man you know,
The kind of chap that slaps your back and says, "Man, Jock, before you go--".

CHORUS

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 24 Aug 98 - 08:50 PM

Here are a few that fit the parting theme, although we usually end up doing either "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" or "Amazing Grace."

Adieu False Heart
Back Home Again
Children Go Where I Send Thee
Hand Me Down My Walking Cane
Hold What You Got (I'm Coming Home Baby)
Home Sweet Home
I'll Break Out Again Tonight
I'll Fly Away
I'll Just Go Away
Jamaica Farewell
Light In The Window
Meet Me Somewhere In My Dreams
Sing Me Back Home
Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone?
Won't You Come and Sing For Me
You'll Get No More of Me
You Ain't Going Nowhere

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Alice
Date: 25 Aug 98 - 01:12 PM

Oh, yes, and "Westering Home". If anyone has more verses than the two that are in the database, I would really appreciate if you posted them. There is another thread titled Westering Home, if you would like to add them there.

alice

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Aug 98 - 02:04 PM

Lately, when our song circle is about to call it a night, we put down the instruments and songbooks and stand up and gather close together in a sircle, and we sing partig songs until we can't remember any more. It's a magical moment, a magic that continues long after we've left for home.
I have a Cornish friend who says they do that back home, every night after the bars close. If I could do that every night, it might make a boozer out of me.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Bert
Date: 27 Aug 98 - 10:58 AM

Shenandoah
Bye bye blackbird
Leaving of Liverpool
Leave her Johnny, Leave her
Spanish Ladies
Rio Grande
Let him go, let him tarry
Goodnight ladies
Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye
Country roads, take me home
Swansea Town

There's even one of mine that might do, called "Kiss for the road" You might want to make the ending a little more cheerful though. click here

Bert

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Zygote
Date: 23 Sep 98 - 01:33 AM

All lovely choices you folks have mentioned. I didn't Roy Rogers & Dale Evans' old standby, "Happy Trails". Corny but nice. Wish I knew all the lyrics to it.

Doug

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Barbara
Date: 23 Sep 98 - 04:21 AM

Doug, zygote, see that box in the upper right hand corner? Put [happy trails] in it, like that, with the brackets, and you will have it.
B*
Barbara8

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Liam
Date: 29 Sep 98 - 02:03 AM

Amongst many I would recommend 'The leaving of Nancy', 'The Setting' and 'Andy's gone with cattle'. cheerio Liam

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From:
Date: 18 Dec 98 - 12:24 AM

Can someone send me the words to "The Parting Glass"? I would appreciate it. Thanks.

Subject: Lyr Add: A LAST SONG (Harald Schmidt)
From: Harald Schmidt
Date: 18 Dec 98 - 01:14 AM

I) wrote my own parting song, if someone is interesting:

A Last Song

This will be a last song, this will be a last good-bye
Take care of yourself everywhere and hold your head up high
The moon is shining clearly and the stars are shining bright
This will be a last song for tonight

When I'm old and doddering and my race is almost run
Will you ever think of me, will you miss me when I'm gone
Forget all pain and sorrow, come and rest here by my side
This will be a last song for tonight

Last night I dreamed the waters came rushing to and fro
The siren gave a warning, I watched my body go
The sea began to rollin', oh God I cannot land
I hear a loud voice calling "Please save this drowning man"

(solo and repeat 1st verse)

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: AndreasW
Date: 18 Dec 98 - 03:13 AM

Hi MoonStarM

Just enter Parting Glass into the Digitrad Database Search box (upper right corner of this page) and press the Search button.
In the result list you will find the song.
Andreas

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Roger "The Zimmer"
Date: 18 Dec 98 - 09:29 AM

The Corries a 60s/70s Scottish folk duo (one half of whom died last year)used to finish with one of two very short encores that they introduced straight-faced. The first "for the older members of our folk audience" went: Granny's in the cellar I'm surprised ye canna smell 'er Baking biscuits on a damned old dirty stove In her eye there is some matter That keeps drippin' in the batter And when she breathes in the (snorting sound effect)runs through her nose.

The other was introduced as a tribute to a young girl they'd met: On the bosum of sweet Abigail Was written the price of her tail And on her behind For the use of the blind Was the same information in Braille.

All in the best possible taste of course!

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Benson
Date: 18 Dec 98 - 09:57 AM

I am flying "seat of the pants" here....but I often think of the song and (advice) of George M Cohan....".Always leave them laughing when you say goodbye".........."When you meet a fellow with a tear dimmed eye...you can leave him laughing if you try...When he tells his troubles, interrupt him with a joke ....tell him one he's never heard and he'll declare that "it's a bird".....When he's giggling good you know...that's the time to turn and go.....Always leave them laughing when you say goodbye!!!!! Maybe not a great tune....but a great sentiment........ The Limeliters did one in the 60's called "Proschai...?"A lighthearted and rollicking tune....Goodbye in every conceivable language...... "Proschai, adeiu, aur rivor derci, adios, aloha, aufweidersehen, shalom.......Proschai no matter what the country or the land Proschai is one word they'll always understand!!! (forgive the spelling )

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Alice
Date: 18 Dec 98 - 01:28 PM

Benson, I love that sentiment.

....When he tells his troubles, interrupt him with a joke ...

I know some whiners whom I have to constantly cajole into seeing something good about their life.

I like being able to use songs to touch the depths of peoples emotions, both tragic and comic.

alice

Subject: Lyr Add: ALWAYS LEAVE THEM LAUGHING WHEN YOU ...^^
From: Benson
Date: 18 Dec 98 - 01:48 PM

ALWAYS LEAVE THEM LAUGHING WHEN YOU SAY GOOD-BYE
Words and music by George M. Cohan
New York: F.A. Mills, ©1903.
"One of the musical hits from Geo. M. Cohan's latest play, 'Little Johnny Jones' "

1. My Dad would never preach to me.
In fact, he'd never teach to me
The different things that I should do when I'd be here and there.
In fact, he said, "Go on alone.
You have ideas of your own.
You'll never lose if you will use the other fair and square."
That's just as far as he'd advise,
Till one day to my surprise,
I went to say that I was going to other lands to live,
And as I went to say goodbye,
He saw a teardrop in my eye.
Said he, "My lad, ah! that's too bad. I've some advice to give:

CHORUS: Always leave them laughing when you say goodbye.
Never linger long about,
Or else you'll wear your welcome out.
When you meet a fellow with a tear-dimmed eye,
You can leave him laughing if you try.
When he tells his troubles, interrupt him with a joke.
Tell him one he's never heard,
And he'll declare that its a bird.
When he's giggling good, you know,
That's the time to turn and go.
Always leave them laughing when you say goodbye!"

2. Said Dad, "Whene'er you hear a joke,
Just laugh as if you're going to choke
And make the teller think that he has told you something new."
Said he, "I never went to school, but still I have a golden rule:
To always laugh at others as you'd have them laugh at you.
Don't sympathise with anyone,
But turn their troubles into fun.
When ev'rybody's pouting, that's the time to wear a smile.
No matter if you're rich or broke,
Just treat the whole thing as a joke.
Everybody likes the man who's laughing all the while."

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Bert
Date: 18 Dec 98 - 02:05 PM

I like your song Harald. Would like to hear you sing it.

Bert.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Len N
Date: 18 Dec 98 - 07:11 PM

Pete Seeger and Arlo used to play a song that would make a nice farewell tune. I have always assumed the title was "Goodbye my Roseanna", but if the title is not correct, the chorus is

Bye bye, Bye bye, Bye bye Good bye my Roseanna Bye bye, Bye bye, Bye bye And I won't be back tomorrow

Len

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Harald Schmidt
Date: 18 Dec 98 - 07:50 PM

Hi Bert, a friend of mine in New Jersey (Willie Bauer) uploaded the song on his page. You can visit his page:

William Bauer´s Homepage

Listen to A Last Song

All the best

HARALD

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Barry Finn
Date: 19 Dec 98 - 03:32 AM

Len N, Sweet Rosie Anna/ Bye Bye My Roseanna is an all time favorite of mine. The Menhaden Chanteymen used to (& still do) do this as a net hauling song, the most beautiful version I ever heard. Had to be about 10 or 12 of them sitting semi-circle, showing how they'd be leaning in towards the center as the lead sang then they'd grab hold of the (imaginary) net & all pull back, slow & steady, as they rang out the chorus, it was pure magic. I'll post their version, I checked the DT & was suprized that it wasn't there. The mention of this also but to mind another (farewell) sea song called "Riley", a shanty from the Georgia Sea Islands. It starts off

Riley, Riley where was you,
(chorus) Oh, Riley, oh, man
Riley gone & I'll go to,
(chorus) Bye, bye my Riley, oh, man

Bye, bye from Barry

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Susan A-R
Date: 19 Dec 98 - 10:07 PM

Gordon Bok's "Hearth and Fire" is a lovely one. I'm not sure if it's in the database. If I find that it's not, I'll send lyrics and album/book information on where to find it.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From:
Date: 19 Dec 98 - 10:29 PM

The two most popular parting songs I've heard over the years are The Parting Glass and Goodnight Irene.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: RASTA
Date: 20 Dec 98 - 10:07 PM

STAY AWHILE- TITLE AND SONG OF A KINGSTON TRIO ALBUM HAS ALWAYS BEEN A GOOD ONE FOR ME. OH WE*LL STAY AWAHIE TO BIDE A WHILE WERE NEVER GOIN TO LEAVE YOU OH WE*LL STAY AWHILE TO BIDE AWHILE TILL WE COME BACK TO SEE YOU---- ITS OUT THERE ON CD SOMEWHERE. MAYBE CLANCYS DID IT ALSO THEY WERE BIG FRIENDS BACK IN THE 60SL. GOOD LUCK RASTA

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Dec 98 - 12:56 PM

We end our church choir concerts with a little doo-wop:

Goodnight, shweetheart, well, it's time to go
Da da-da da-da
Goodnight, shweetheart, well, it's time to go
Da da-da da-da
I hate to leave you , but I really must say
Goodnight, shweetheart, goodnight.

Yeah, I guess you could say we're a bit unusual for a church choir. We do a great job on "girl group" songs, too. Goodnight, shweetheart....
Goodnight, Gwacie.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: Lyr Add: SINGER'S FAREWELL^^
From: Rob Derrick
Date: 23 Dec 98 - 07:07 PM

This one would have to be my favorite, and as I don't see that anyone has already listed it, I thought I would. It is from the singing of Ian Robb. I believe it is a knocked-about variation on a Sacred Harp song, but I don't remember which one.

SINGER'S FAREWELL

Farewell old friends, it's time to go
You must be on your way
Do not let this parting grieve you so
Though dreary is the day

And I'll sing hallelujah
And you'll sing hallelujah
And we'll all sing hallelujah
When we arrive at home

No saint you were while on this earth
You trod your path so wide
For saints do seldom venture forth
For fear they stray aside

If God there be some Pharisee
Of unforgiving ways
Then look for Him for you must seek
To brighten up his days

And when at Peter's gate you stand
With sins of flesh and wine
One song of bribe, he'll take your hand
And lead you in to dine

Though friends may join, and friends may part
Though friends be born and die
Each song remains within our heart
Each spirit ever nigh

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Rob Derrick
Date: 23 Dec 98 - 07:08 PM

This one would have to be my favorite, and as I don't see that anyone has already listed it, I thought I would. It is from the singing of Ian Robb. I believe it is a knocked-about variation on a Sacred Harp song, but I don't remember which one.
Singer's Farewell

Farewell old friends, it's time to go
etc.etc.etc......

Subject: Lyr Add: THE PARTING SONG (JOURNEY'S END)^^
From: Rob Derrick
Date: 23 Dec 98 - 07:18 PM

Oops. Sorry about the redundancy. It's as bad as the old woman who took the two pills

"To be sure, to be sure"

But to continue the subject, there are two songs called "The Parting Glass" that I know of. The first is the most popular, and therefore accounts for why I can't for the moment remember it. Ah, it is:

Of all the money that e'er I spent
I've spent it in good company...

as popularized by the Clancy Bros.

The second, which I also learned from Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem, and the one that is my favorite, is

The fire is out, the moon is down
The parting glass is dry and done
And I must go and leave this town
Before the rising of the sun

And long's the road, and far's the mile
Before I rest my soul again
With girls that weep, and girls that smile
And all the words and ways of men

For some there are that may not bide
But wander to there journey's end
Nor take a girl to be a bride
Nor keep a man to be a friend

And when I'm done with wandering
I'll beside the road and weep
For all the songs I did not sing
And promises I did not keep

According to Tommy Makem's official web site, the correct title of the latter song is "The Parting Song (Journey's End)." I have submitted it under this title to DigiTrad. -JoeClone 20-Feb-2001.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE PARTING GLASS (Judy Goodenough)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Dec 98 - 07:45 PM

Rob, that song you posted is on the 1998 Gordon Bok album, Gatherings. Bok says it was written by the late Judy Goodenough, who has been discussed in other threads here recently. Here are the lyrics from the CD booklet, just a bit different from your rendering

The Parting Glass
© J.B. Goodenough

The fire is out, the moon is down
The parting glass is dry and done
And I must go and leave this town
Before the rising of the sun

Long's the road, and many's the mile
Before I rest my soul again
With girls that weep and girls that smile
At all the words and ways of men

And some there are who may not bide
But wander ‘til their journey's end
Or take a girl to be a bride
Or keep a man to be a friend

When I'm done with wandering
I will sit beside the road and weep
For all the songs I did not sing
And promises I did not keep

JRO/Joe Offer

See the note at the end of the previous post. -JoeClone 20-Feb-2001.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Alice
Date: 23 Dec 98 - 08:19 PM

Rob and Joe, are the Judy Goodenough lyrics sung to the same tune as the Parting Glass done by the Clancy Brothers? They fit the tune... just wondering.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Dec 98 - 08:24 PM

Different tune, Alice. Rob, did the Clancys record this one?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Alice
Date: 19 Oct 99 - 10:35 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 19 Oct 99 - 11:04 PM

Also "Shallow Brown", "The Singer's Request" (Trad/Nic Jones) and John Tams' "Rolling Home".

Malcolm

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 20 Oct 99 - 12:11 AM

Just a personal opinion but assuming Rolling Home is the song I am thinking of, I am fed up with it being used as a closing song in a local folk club. It would make a very pleasant and unexpected change to go back to The Wild Mountain Thyme or Goodnight Irene once in a while.

Jon

Subject: Lyr Add: HAPPY TRAILS^^
From: WyoWoman
Date: 20 Oct 99 - 12:31 AM

Out here in the Wild, Wild West, we sing "HAPPY TRAILS."

(If we're feeling particularly stressed, we sing "Happy Trials...")

Happy trails to you,
Until we meet again.
Happy trails to you,
Keep smiling until then.
Who cares about the stormy weather
As long as we can be together?
Happy trails to you
Until we meet again....

G'night, y'all, WyoWoman

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Graham Pirt
Date: 20 Oct 99 - 05:12 AM

I Like Bob Dylan's "Restless Farewell"

Subject: Lyr Add: HALLELUJAH^^
From: Judy Cook
Date: 20 Oct 99 - 12:33 PM

The version of that Sacred Harp song that I know goes:

And let this feeble body fail
And let it faint or die
My soul shall quit this mournful vale
And soar to worlds on high

And I'll sing Hallelujah
And You'll sing Hallelujah
And We'll all sing Hallelujah
When we arrive at home.

Shall join the disembodied saints
And find it's long rest
That only bliss for which it pants
In my Redeemer's breast

cho:

Oh what is all my suffering here
If Lord, Thou find me meet
With that enraptured host t'appear
And worship at thy feet

cho:

Give joy or grief, give ease or pain
Take life or friends away
But let me find them all again
In that eternal day

cho:

I love singing the chorus especially.

Judy

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 20-Feb-2001.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Ian HP
Date: 20 Oct 99 - 02:16 PM

Dear me, it's incredible to see the responses to this thread - revived twice. I could not have imagined what I'd started - it has obviously struck a chord with people with the same question. I had picked Farewell But Whenever from suggestions, but am now gravitating towards When Fortune Turns Her Wheel (which I don't think anyone has suggested). Thanks all.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: ursa
Date: 20 Oct 99 - 06:55 PM

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life from Monty Python's-Life of Brian is always a good sentiment to leave people with, and the song is great.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: emmet
Date: 20 Oct 99 - 08:01 PM

I know it's not an old favorite, but Irish rock/folk band the Saw Doctors have a song called "I'll Be On My Way" which can easily be played solo with an acoustic guitar. It has a sort of calypso beat. Probably the best way to tell if a song is good parting song is if you can imagine someone saying "I want them to play that when they wheel me out..." Also, I haven't looked at all the messages so I don't know if anyone else mentioned it but, "The Leaving of Liverpool" is a great parting song. - Emmet

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 20 Oct 99 - 08:31 PM

I take Jon Freeman's point about "Rolling Home"; it has been done to death in recent years. "When Fortune Turns Her Wheel" is a fine idea, and I'm surprised that I'd forgotten about it. On reflection, "Meet on the Ledge" might be worth considering, along with "Farewell Farewell".

Malcolm

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Bruce O.
Date: 20 Oct 99 - 09:44 PM

"The Parting Glass" is a slight reworking of "Good night and joy be wi' you all", whose tune is in the 17th century Scots Skene and Guthries MSS. The song is the last in 'The Scots Musical Museum'.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Gorgeous Gary
Date: 20 Oct 99 - 09:56 PM

When I'm at one of my filk conventions, I frequently make Tom Paxton's "Honor Of Your Company" (from his WEARING THE TIME album) the last song I play.

One of my fellows has been using Bill Staines' "A Thousand Songs" as the last song **he** plays for the weekend.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: WyoWoman
Date: 20 Oct 99 - 10:19 PM

This is a great thread, Ian. Now I want to know the *rest* of the story.

What'd you settle on?

WyoWoman

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: MAG (inactive)
Date: 20 Oct 99 - 11:21 PM

Has anyone mentioned the one that ends, "And I bid you goodnight, goodnight goodnight" ? Watersons do it.

Subject: Lyr Add: FIDDLER'S GREEN^^^
From: Faeryrose
Date: 21 Oct 99 - 12:00 AM

I have always loved the Fiddler's Green. Its slow, but moving...and a good one to wind down with. It seems you have a lot of good Irish Favorites, so here's another:

FIDDLER'S GREEN
(John Connolly)

As I roved by the dockside on evening so rare
To view the still waters and take the salt air
I heard an old fisherman singing this song
O take me away boys my time is not long

Dress me up in me oilskin and jumper
No more on the docks I'll be seen
Just tell me old shipmates
I'm taking a trip, mates
And I'll see them someday in Fiddler's Green

Now Fiddler's Green is a place I've heard tell
Where fishermen go when they don't go to Hell
Where the weather is fair and the dolphins do play
And the cold coast of Greenland is far, far away

The sky's always clear and there's never a gale
And the fish jump on board with a flip of their tail
You can lie at your leisure, there's no work to do
And the skipper's below making tea for the crew

And when you're in dock and the long trip is thru
There's pubs and there's clubs, and there's lassies there too
Now the girls are all pretty and the beer is all free
And there's bottles of rum hanging from every tree

I don't want a harp or a halo, not me
Just give me a breeze and a good rolling sea
And I'll play me old squeeze box as we sail along
When the wind's in the rigging to sing me this song

Joe Byrnes did my favorite recording of this...

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 20-Feb-2001.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From:
Date: 21 Oct 99 - 03:44 AM

Bill Steele from Ithaca, NY wrote 'A Thousand Songs' not Bill Staines. And a very good song it is.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Graham Pirt
Date: 21 Oct 99 - 06:00 AM

Just to mention that John Connelly is not Irish but comes from the fishing port of Grimsby in Lincolnshire, UK.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Wolfgang
Date: 21 Oct 99 - 06:21 AM

Move on down the line is a perfectly fitting parting song which should bring back memories for many of us.
In case you read this, Roger, now Bruce and Martin are back, how about you? You are missed.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Bruce O.
Date: 21 Oct 99 - 03:57 PM

I've added three versions of "Good night and joy be wi' you a'" and "The Parting Glass" to the Scarce Songs 2 file on my website as well as 4 ABC versions of the tune for "Good night" from as far back as c 1635 (and that for The Parting Glass").

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Nogs
Date: 21 Oct 99 - 05:51 PM

Rob Derrick: The mudcat message service didnt recognize your name, so i post this here: I am interested in the Singers Request song that you posted from the singing if Ian Robb. I am a big fan of his, and would appreciate it if you could tell me if that song is on plastic someplace. If not, is there a way I could get the tune??

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Grubby
Date: 21 Oct 99 - 08:50 PM

Have a listen to "I Hope we meet again" by the Saw Doctors it's a great song to end with. Grubby

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 21 Oct 99 - 09:41 PM

There's a great song that ends singing evenings in Ireland more times than not, and noone seems to have mentioned it yet in this thread. The only line I can remember this time of night is "We may or might never all meet here again",and so far as I can see it's not in the Digital Tradition storehouse.

If anyone's got it, let's have it. Otherwise I'll try finding it somewhere else, and bring it back here some time.

As for parting glass - I've a theory it's a hanging song. Yopu know, the kind you'd sing at the goodbye party the night before you were stretched, if you were a highwayman or whatever: "But since it falls unto my lot that I should rise and you should not..."

(Talking of that, there's another song I'd like to find, "The night before Larry was stretched")

My website

(I put that in because I've just learned how, and I want to see if it works. If you want to visit, you're welcome.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Bruce O.
Date: 21 Oct 99 - 10:18 PM

"The Night before Larry was stretched" (by J. Philpot Curran?) is in Scarce Songs 1 at www.erols.com/olsonw. I now have another early tune for it, but haven't made up the ABC for it yet.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Bruce O.
Date: 21 Oct 99 - 11:03 PM

An ABC of the 1787 tune for "The Night before Larry was stretched" is now with the two others in the ABC file S1.HTM on my website, but not yet noted in the Scarce Songs 1 file.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: WyoWoman
Date: 21 Oct 99 - 11:12 PM

What is the ABC to which you refer?

ww

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Bruce O.
Date: 22 Oct 99 - 12:33 AM

ABC is a music coding format. Do a forum seach of ABC.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From:
Date: 22 Oct 99 - 05:13 AM

John Conolly who wrote Fiddler's Green is from Cleethorpes and spells his name like what I have!

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 22 Oct 99 - 01:36 PM

If anybody is looking for info on ABC, I would suggest that the best starting point is the ABC Homepage at http://www.gre.ac.uk/~c.walshaw/abc/

Jon

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 22 Oct 99 - 02:36 PM

My God, that was impressive speed Bruce O - and an incredible collection of songs.

If you follow the link to "The Night before Larry was stretched" (www.erols.com/olsonw you'll see what I mean about The Parting Glass being a hanging song.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Ely
Date: 22 Oct 99 - 02:57 PM

"One for the Money" (nuts--I can't remember who wrote it).

"Ginny's Gone to Ohio" (traditional? not sure)

"Slow Train Through Georgia" (Norman Blake)

"Don't You Leave Me Here" (Jelly Roll Morton)

Subject: Lyr Add: FARE YOU WELL, NOW (Billy Edd Wheeler)^^
From: Joan
Date: 22 Oct 99 - 04:30 PM

This was written by Billy Edd Wheeler. The last verse appears on the cornerstone of Berea College, KY. I had it on my first Folk-Leg. recording, but must also have been recorded elsewhere in the '60s or '70s. j

FARE YOU WELL, NOW

Fare you well, now, my good people
Wherever you are, wherever you go,
Wherever you come from, wherever you're traveling,
I know your name.

They call you father, they call you mother
They call you sister, they call you brother,
They call you rich boy, they call you poor boy,
And I know your name.

I' have seen you in my travels
North and south, east and west,
You love freedom, man and woman,
And I know your name.

...And this I know:
God hath made of one blood
All the nations of mankind
To live as brothers on this earth--
So fare you well now--farewell brother--fare you well.

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 20-Feb-2001.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Barry Finn
Date: 23 Oct 99 - 10:10 AM

Hi MaGrath of Harlow, the song you mentioned is in the DT, try a search for Here's a Health to the Company. Barry

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 23 Oct 99 - 12:33 PM

Thanks Barry - it was there as you said. I'd never have thought of that as the title. Good to have a full set of words.

Subject: Lyr Add: LAST CALL (Dave Van Ronk)
From: PoppaGator
Date: 19 Jan 04 - 11:56 AM

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Dave Van Ronk's "Last Call," a favorite of mine. It's on his "Songs for Aging Children" album -- I have a vinyl copy, but haven't had a working turntable for years. I just learned just now that it's also on another DVR album, "Going Back to Brooklyn."

I'm refreshing this old thread rather adding this suggestion to the current (Jan '04) request for a parting song to be sung a a high school graduation. Dave's black-humorous lyrics would NOT be appropriate for teenagers at their commencement ceremony, but they work very well in a barroom setting!

The melody, cadence, and mock-serious cappella delivery suggest that the tune may be not only traditional, but ancient. But then again, it may have been a Dave original that just *sounds* old.

I've found the lyrics easily in the past, via Google search, but had a little more trouble just now. The following verses were quoted "without permission," one at a time, within the text of somebody's on-line short story --- they may or may not comprise the complete song:

LAST CALL (Dave Van Ronk)

And so we've had another night
of poetry and poses,
and each man knows he'll be alone
when the sacred ginmill closes.

And so we'll drink the final glass
each to his joy and sorrow
and hope the numbing drink will last
til opening tomorrow.

And when we stumble back again
like paralytic dancers
each knows the question he must ask
and each man knows the answer.

And so we'll drink the final drink
that cuts the brain in sections
where answers do not signify
and there aren't any questions.

I broke my heart the other day.
It will mend again tomorrow.
If I'd been drunk when I was born
I'd be ignorant of sorrow.

And so we'll drink the final toast
that never can be spoken:
Here's to the heart that is wise enough
to know when it's better off broken.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Folkiedave
Date: 19 Jan 04 - 08:24 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: GUEST,Strollin' Johnny
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 08:33 AM

Sooz, ref Connolly's apparent change of nationality, you should know how good the Irish are at pinching other peoples' songs and claiming them as their own - I've even heard Bogle's (who's a Scot living in Oz) No Man's Land, having had it's title changed to The Green Fields Of France, described as 'a traditional Irish Song'!

Nothing's sacred any more.
Johnny

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Nov 04 - 08:53 AM

Im looking for the lyrics and chords for Good Night Irean.
can you help?
Barney

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: nutty
Date: 21 Nov 04 - 11:21 AM

You can find both here Barney

Goodnight Irene

Subject: Lyr Add: WHEN FIRST WE MET (Alan Bell)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 02:42 AM

My favourite is the followingh by Alan Bell:

WHEN FIRST WE MET
(Alan Bell)

1. When first we met we were total strangers
We didn't know if we could be friends,
How soon we came to know each other
Now I know we will meet again

Chorus:
So here's to you and our time together
I'll share with you now a parting glass
And bid adieu with a smile and laughter
Our time apart will be short and pass

2. We talked of dreams and a good tomorrow
Of yesterday's and their dark dispairs
We've had our share of joys and sorrows
Now we part as friends who care

3. A long long road now winds before me
And fate may take me where it will
Through deep valleys and over mountains
I'll not forget, I'll remember you still

(repeat first verse)

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: rhyzla
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 05:11 AM

Also try Mike Silver's 'A time for leaving'

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Cluin
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 06:06 AM

"Leave `er Johnny"

Dougie MacLean's "Until We Meet Again"

"Bugger Off"

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Shimbo Darktree
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 06:30 AM

How about "Boil Dem Cabbage Down" ... oh, sorry, just read the subject line again ... supposed to be "parting songs" ...

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: GUEST,mollycat
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 07:49 AM

Have a listen to 'Goodnight' by The Duncan Mcfarlane Band it's on the Woodshed Boys Cd - Maggie Boyle is singing it with the band. I think I've seen the lyrics on their website somewhere.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: PoppaGator
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 10:46 AM

This just popped into my head, and I haven't read through this whole long thread, so forgive me if I'm repeating something already said:

"The Urge for Going" -- first recorded by Tom Rush, but written by someone else -- a young, not-yet-recorded Joni Mitchell, maybe?

Then there's the traditionl Irish "Parting Glass," which MUST be mentioned above, also the subject of at least two fairly recent discussions here.

And my favorite set-closer of all time, Dave Van Ronk's "Last Call," featuring that great line Lawrence Block appropriated as the title for one of his Matt Scudder mysteries, "When the Sacred Gin Mill Closes."

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: PoppaGator
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 10:54 AM

One more Tom Rush cover, about a particular *type* of parting -- "Child's Song," featured as one of the bonus tracks on the "Festival Express" DVD.

I had long forgotten this one, but was quite moved to hear it again. It took on a whole new meaning for me after having my own kids grow up and leave home -- back when the song was new, I could only understand the child's point of view when leaving the parents. But having looked at THAT situation from Both Sides Now...whew!

Subject: Lyr Add: IN FREENDSHIP'S NAME
From: andymac
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 03:34 PM

As a parting song, how about "In Freendship's Name" which has the lines

Freendship maks us a' mair happy
Freendship gies us a' delight
Freendship consecrates the drappie
Freendship brocht us here the night

Ch
Happy we've been a the gither
Canty, we've been yin and a'
Time shall see us a' mair blyther
Ere we rise tae gang awa'

Not sure who it's been recorded by, it's from the singing of Willie Scott, from the Borders but it's fairly well known in Scottish sessions

Andy

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: annie111
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 06:00 AM

yep,"when we first met" Allan Bell is one of the best.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: GUEST,Katie Pottle
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 09:23 PM

hey i need the notes and the song to WILL YE GO,lASSIE GO!!!

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 02:55 PM

Words in these threads:
Will ye go, 7611: Will ye go
Wild Mountain Thyme, 19964: Wild Mountain Thyme
The McPeake version is in the DT as Wild ...

Music at Numachi, Digital Tradition Mirror: Wild Mountain Thyme

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 10:57 AM

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. This has bothered me for YEARS!!!!!not remembering the words. Any music to Always leave 'em laughing?

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: Mike Miller
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 05:20 PM

If you want the audience to sing with you, there is one song that everyone sings, the young, the old and the in-between. It is "Somewhere, Over The Rainbow". I can't explain the hypnotic affect of this song but I have sung it in school assemblies, at birthday parties, at weddings, at senior facilities, at folk clubs and in concert and, I swear, as soon as I start the audience joins in as if it was some kind of anthem. I guess that everyone knows it from the movie and singing it makes one fell young and hopeful.
The chords are interesting but easy.
Let's hear it for Toto.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: mick p r.m s.c
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 03:10 AM

HI,"The Parting Song". written by Dave webber and sung by Johnny Collins on his Now and Then c.d. is a good one.a bit sad but a good chorus.
                  Cheers Mick.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: GUEST,Valmai Goodyear
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 07:07 AM

Lynne Heraud and Pat Turner have a splendid parting song written by Lynne and performed in delicate harmony.

Valmai
Lewes, Sussex

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: robd
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 12:27 PM

I am so often years out of sync, but with regard to the Van Ronk song above ( Last Call ), the poster says:

"The melody, cadence, and mock-serious cappella delivery suggest that the tune may be not only traditional, but ancient. But then again, it may have been a Dave original that just *sounds* old."

The Tune Van Ronk used is actually Lord Franklin.

Subject: RE: PARTING SONGS
From: BobKnight
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 02:52 PM

Robert Burn's song, "Ae Fond Kiss."

"Ae fond kiss, and then we sever." (part)

Subject: RE: Parting songs
From: GUEST,JB3
Date: 17 Apr 12 - 04:23 PM

Has anyone mentioned the rounds:

Sing with thy mouth, sing with thy heart
Like faithful friends, sing, loath to depart
Though friends together may not always remain
Yet, loath to depart, sing once again

or

Goodnight to you all and sweet be your sleep
May silence surround you, your slumber be deep
Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Subject: RE: Parting songs
From: GUEST,JB3
Date: 17 Apr 12 - 04:25 PM

another parting round:

Gone to rest is the setting sun
Day is over and night has come
Whipporwhill, whipporwhill
Has just begun

Subject: RE: Parting songs
From: GUEST,JB3
Date: 17 Apr 12 - 04:31 PM

At the Berea College Christmas Country Dance School, it's traditional to end with this one:

Good night, goodnight, beloved mine
Good night, sleep well, my dear
Good night, good night, beloved mine
Good night, sleep well, my dear
May Cherubim and Seraphim watch over you and hover near
Good night, good night, beloved mine
Good night, sleep well, my dear

Subject: RE: Parting songs
From: Joe_F
Date: 17 Apr 12 - 06:14 PM

Now Is the Hour

Subject: RE: Parting songs
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 17 Apr 12 - 11:44 PM

Roll The Old Chariot Along ~~ with divided chorus ··· & ending, of course, with the "night with a whore" verse, followed by "Belay your oars, m'lads!".

~Michael~

Subject: Lyr Add: ALL THE TUNES IN THE WORLD
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 18 Apr 12 - 04:07 PM

Favourite of mine - [ to the tune, approximately, of "The South Wind" ]

Lyrics - ALL THE TUNES IN THE WORLD

Chorus:
Lay down the borrowed guitar
Lay down the fiddle and bow
You'd like one more drink at the bar
But the manager says you must go

And all the tunes in the world
Are dancing around in your head
But the clock on the gantry says play-time is o'er
You'll just have to sing them instead

Lay down the jig and the reel
Lay down the planxty and slide
Everyone knows how you feel
But there's no time to take one more ride

The barmaid has put on her coat
And the barman has emptied the slops
And the manager's friends are afraid
The music will bring in the cops

Everyone here feels the same
Oh yes you deserve one more tune
but you know the rules of the game,
It's time to go howl at the moon

All the tunes in the World
Ewan McVicar


and also would second Dougie's "Until We Meet Again", and also Ian Sinclair's "Tak A' Dram Afore ye Go" - the latter worked well when we played it at Penicuik Folk Club last night !
Karine Polwart's "Follow The Heron Home" is also a good one.

Subject: RE: Parting songs
From: Joe_F
Date: 18 Apr 12 - 08:02 PM

Time, Gentlemen, Time

Subject: RE: Parting songs
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 18 Apr 12 - 08:45 PM

Davy Steele's "Just One More Chorus" - especially good for the end of a singers' session. Jamie, Davy's son, takes centre stage at Celtic Connections 2011:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xudsYedOFFE