Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'

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Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'

15 Oct 00 - 07:14 AM (#319138)
Subject: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: Uncle Jaque

Some time ago there was a thread about "The Parting Glass", but I cannae seem to find it on the search function. Going to the DT DB, I got the MIDI file, fed it to my "Melody Assistant" program, which promptly converted same into a score. This I transposed (with the same program - a very handy feature) up to a whistle-freindly key, and viola; pretty soon I was playing it. Then there is the "Irish Hit Parade" radio program out of Boston, MA which we get up here in Maine every Saturday. When they have "changing of the guard (DJs)" in the afternoon, the departing morning chap always plays a very nice version of "The Parting Glass"... in a distincly different meter and tune than the score featured here. I listen intently trying to commit the tune to memory, but it's tricky; can anyone direct me to a MIDI or score for this "alternate" tune to the "Glass"? One distinctive is that it uses a refrain or chorus: "Pour to me the parting glass; we'll drink the health what'e'r befall / I'll gently rise, and softly call: Goodnight and Joy be to you all." When was this song written, and by whom? I get the impression that it is fairly contemporary - somthing we need be aware of, I suppose, when performing publicly.

15 Oct 00 - 08:32 AM (#319145)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: Greyeyes

I only know one version of "Parting Glass" and I'm fairly sure it was written by Dominic Behan, at least the words, the tune may be traditional. I'm sure others will know more.

15 Oct 00 - 08:58 AM (#319152)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: John in Brisbane

The expert on this one will be Suzanne (skw?). I know the McCalmans do this but it's so long since I've heard it that I can't remember the tune. I've never seen a copy but it may perchance be in the MmCalmans Songbook.

There is a McCalmans Website but I can't direct you to a URL - from memory it doesn't have MIDIs.

Regards, John

15 Oct 00 - 09:01 AM (#319153)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: Naemanson

Hi Jaque! My paper database (notebook) says, "Little is known of this most beautiful and poignant of all Irish songs. The folk singer Robin Roberts reports that she had heard that a variation of it was the great parting song in Scotland before "Auld Lang Syne" came along."

I don't remember from where I photocopied the pages. The words I have match those in the DT.

15 Oct 00 - 09:03 AM (#319154)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: Naemanson

By the way, Jaque, when are we going to get together? October weekends are out but I'd like to get together before the November gathering so we can work up something to present there.

Have you met Downeast Bob yet?

15 Oct 00 - 09:18 AM (#319164)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: mrs_zezam

This is on an album of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem *In Person at Carnegie Hall*, sung by Liam.
At the end is spoken "Good night. God bless." Is that the one you are seeking, Uncle?
"A sentimental drinking song which closes the evening in many an Irish pub."

Are these the right links? click here and click here 2

best wishes,
Mrs. Z

15 Oct 00 - 09:19 AM (#319166)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: Greyeyes

Ignore everything I said, I was confusing "Parting Glass" with "Patriot Game". The credit on "The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem in Person at the Carnegie Hall" is 'arranged and adapted by P.Clancy', which implies that it's traditional.

15 Oct 00 - 09:46 AM (#319178)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: Jeri

Uncle Jacque, it may be the Dominique Behan version you heard, I'm not sure. He changed a few words and a bit of the melody of the traditional song and copyrighted it. It was featured in the film "Waking Ned Devine" - during the closing credits, I think.

There's a very small sample of the tune (MP3) downloadable here

15 Oct 00 - 11:07 AM (#319219)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: Keith A of Hertford

Bob Dylan's "Lonesome Farewell" is almost identical in music and lyric to "Parting Glass"

15 Oct 00 - 11:31 AM (#319227)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: Branwen23

Does anyone know for sure the author of "The Parting Glass"?

I recall having been told at some point, but I don't think I was told that it was Dominic Behan...

-Branwen-

15 Oct 00 - 11:56 AM (#319233)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: Greyeyes

PLEASE ignore the Dominic Behan reference, it was a moment of idiocy by me, the song is much older.

15 Oct 00 - 12:00 PM (#319237)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: Malcolm Douglas

Bruce Olson is probably the man for this one. Niel Gow published a set of "Goodnight and Joy Be Wi' Ye A'" in the late 18th century, with the comment: "This tune is played at the conclusion of every convivial dancing meeting throughout Scotland." Obviously it's older than that.

Malcolm

15 Oct 00 - 12:33 PM (#319248)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: Kara

There is a lovely version of the Parting Glass on The Churchfitters album of the same name.
Kara

15 Oct 00 - 12:36 PM (#319251)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: GUEST,Annraoi

It is also known as "Sweet Cootehill Town." from the Co. Cavan town. The influx of Scots Planters here in the C17 might go some way to explaining its presence here. I also have the feeling that there is a poem by one of the Rhyming Weavers who wrought in Counties Down and Antrim in the C18 - C19 which goes to the same air. I checked up the site given by Jeri and only got the faintest echo of the "Parting Glass" popularised by the Clancys.
Annraoi

15 Oct 00 - 12:47 PM (#319261)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: paddymac

This has always been the most troublesome of songs for me. I think it is simply beautiful, yet I despise what it stands for - the night is over. Argh- I always want to believe that there is time for "one more". The melody of the older is very similar to parts of "Brian Boru's March". The version used in "Waking Ned Devine" (a great film) is quit different, but, if possible, even mor beautiful. So many songs, so many tunes, and so little time.

15 Oct 00 - 08:57 PM (#319485)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: GUEST,Joerg

YES, paddymac, the version used in 'Waking Ned Divine' was also what made me first notice that song; maybe this is what Uncle Jaque is referring to. And YES, its beauty arises from the pain of realizing that sometimes there is no way of having 'one more'. And what hurts me most is that death needn't be involved for that. Death wouldn't hurt so much...

BTW - there's a book by Wendy Holden to that movie I think I can recommend.

Let there always be the chance for 'one more'.

Joerg

15 Oct 00 - 10:31 PM (#319516)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: Bob Bolton

G'day Uncle Jaque,

I remember hearing the song to which you refer sung by a UK singer visiting Australia (indeed, I have it on a cassette ... somewhere). It may have been Vin Garbutt that sang it, but don't hold me to it! The song starts:
Here's a health to the company, and to my lass,
Let's drink and be merry, all out of one glass.
Let's drink and be merry, all grief to refrain (?),
For we may or might never all meet here again.
I gather that it was (1960s/70s) a popular song to end UK folk club nights. I can not remember it being used in Australia.

Anyway, I know of at least one Australian collected song that uses the same tune - suggesting that the tune, at least, is 19th century. It was sung by Sally Sloane (~1895 - 1984) in the 1950s/60s and is an English song in the "Wild Rover" class, called I've Been a Wild Boy, with the final refrain "I've been a wild boy, but I'll be so no more". I think I have submitted it to the Digital Tradition, but can not yet find it in the DT. It is published in Folk Songs of Australia and the men and women who sang them, vol.1, 1968 (~), J. Meredith & H. Anderson, Ure Smith, Sydney.

I have also come across an Australian setting (or collected piece?) of the eponymous verses (I'm Donahoe!) credited to the early bushranger (the original Wild Colonial boy) Jack Donahoe - and set to an extended version of The Parting Glass(to accommodate a one line refrain).

Regards,

Bob Bolton

16 Oct 00 - 12:22 AM (#319557)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: Uncle Jaque

Thanks for all your input, Mates! Yes indeed; it IS the "Ned Devine" version I heard and liked so much on the radio. Now is this version an adaptation of a much earlier traditional tune (a'la public domain), or a whole new contemporary / copyrighted score to which is set the traditional lyrics? I'd like to get a full MIDI or score of this version if it's available, as I'd like to do it right on the tin whistle. Knowing if it's PD or (C) might be good when & if I ever go "public" with it.

16 Oct 00 - 01:01 PM (#319901)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: Scotsbard

The first version of "Parting Glass: I learned was from the old Clancy Bros. albums, and as I best remember it seems very similar to the one found here at Mudcat. The Ned Devine version is also enchanting, with its major mode setting an interesting derivation of the older melody. We've been working both versions in the key of "D" to make it easy on the singers, but that puts it in the upper range of the whistle.

Here is my best initial guess at abc's for the older tune(from memory, don't quote me on this):

The new version ala Ned Devine (also from memory, so don't quote me on this either):

The new version almost sounds like an accompaniment or maybe an adaptation to fit the pipe's drone.

~S~ (I'd post a midi, but dunno how to do that here)

16 Oct 00 - 06:24 PM (#320243)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: Scotsbard

Oops ... I had my octave break set in the wrong spot ...

try this for the Ned Devine version

and this for the older version

Sorry 'bout that.
~S~

30 Oct 00 - 11:19 PM (#330911)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: John in Brisbane

The words and tune are in The Songs of Scotland Vol1 Royal Edition, Ed. Brown & Pittman 1877. I'm sending a GIF to MMario to do the hard work to transcribe and notate. Regards, John

30 Oct 00 - 11:44 PM (#330925)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: GUEST,Bruce O.

See 'Scarce Songs 2' on my website for early copies of "Good night and God/Joy be with you a'" (which aren't, however, as old as the tune) and "The Parting Glass". www.erols.com/olsonw

31 Oct 00 - 06:19 AM (#331023)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: GUEST,barrygeo

I have the music and words of this song at home from an old Clancy Brothers song book.

If tyou would like a copy send me your fax number by e-mail barrygeo@eircom.net

barry

31 Oct 00 - 09:43 PM (#331605)
Subject: Lyr Add: GOOD NIGHT AND JOY BE WI' YE A'
From: MMario

this is the one referenced by John_in_brisbane a couple posts up.

GOOD NIGHT AND JOY BE WI' YE A'
(Sir Alexander Boswell)
(last verse ~ Burns)

Good night and joy be wi' ye a'
Your harm-less mirth has cheer'd my heart
May life's fell blasts out o'er ye blaw!
In sor-row may ye nev-er part!
My spi-rit lives, but strength is gone
The moun-tain fires now blaze in vain
Re-mem-ber, sons, the deeds I've done
And in your deeds I'll live a-gain

When on yoon muir our gallant clan
Frae boasting foes their banners tore
Who show'd himsel' a better man
Ar fiercer wav'd the red claymore?
But when in peace then mark me there,
When thro' the glen the wanderer came,
I gave him of our hardy fare,
I gave him here a welcome hame.

The auld will speak, the young maun hear,
Be canty, but be food and leal;
Your ain ills ay ha'e heart to bear,
Anither's ay ha'e heart to feel
So, ere I set, I'll see you shine,
I'll see you triumph ere I fa';
My parting breath shall boast you mine,
Good night, and joy be wi' you a'.

This night is me departing night,
For here nae langer must I stay:
Ther's neither friend nor foe o' mine
But wishes, wishes me away
What I have done thro' lack of wit
I never, never can recall;
I hope ye're a' my friends ae yet,
Good night and joy be wi' you a'.

midi to alan and nwc file to dickg.

01 Nov 00 - 08:32 AM (#331805)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: Mikey joe

Are you thinking of the version as sung by The Voice Squad or Liam O Maonlai (no fadas on the Macintosh) in the film Waking Ned Devine. I have the words some where

Of all the money that in my whole life I did earn...etc etc. Let me know if you want it. It is similar as Keith saidf to Dylans Restless (or Lonesome not sure which) Farewell

01 Nov 00 - 08:33 AM (#331807)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: Mikey joe

sorry

22 Nov 04 - 06:35 PM (#1335860)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: GUEST,Guest - Anna Quinn

I'm Looking for the text lyrics to what was referred to by the performer as the Scottish Version of Parting Glass. I heard it at a live Irish Music concert and the performer did not have this song on their CD. The chorus goes:

So Here's to you and our time together.
I will share with you a parting glass
And I bid adieu with some smiles and laughter
Our Time apart will be short and will pass

Anyone have the verses for this version. If anyone does, my email is and I'd greatly appreciate your email: dogzone-anna7244@mailzoo.com

Thanks very much and I do realize this thread is old -- am hoping maybe someone is searching for these specific lyrics besides myself.

Best regards,
Anna Quinn

22 Nov 04 - 07:42 PM (#1335909)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: GUEST,MCP

Anna

The song you want is by Alan Bell and the link for WHEN FIRST WE MET at the top of the page will take you to it.

Mick

23 Nov 04 - 12:22 PM (#1336614)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The 'Other' 'Parting Glass'
From: TS

Dont' forget the version of which Bob Bolton wrote in a previous thread.."The PArting Glass" as recorded by the Chieftains, and also Newfoundland trad. band "Fine Crowd"

"The Parting Glass"

Kind friends and companions come join me in rhyme
Come lift up your voices in chorus with mine
Come lift up your voices all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again.

CH: So here's a health to our Company and one to my Lass
    Let's drink and be merry all out of one glass
    Let's drink and be merry, all grief to refrain
    For we may or might never all meet here again.

Here's a health to the wee Lass that I love so well
Her smile and her beauty; there's none can excell
There's a smile on her countanence as she sits upon my knee
There's no man in this wide world as happy as me.

Chorus

Our ship lies at anchor; She's ready to dock
I wish her safe bondage without any shock
And if ever we shall meet you by land or by sea
I will always remember your kindness to me.

Chorus