The Parting Glass

"The Parting Glass" is a traditional song, often sung at the end of a gathering of friends. It was allegedly the most popular song sung in both Scotland and Ireland before Robert Burns wrote "Auld Lang Syne". It was printed as a broadside in the 1770s, and first appeared in book form in "Scots Songs" by Herd. [ [http://www.contemplator.com/ireland/pglass.html The Parting Glass ] ] Shaun Davey has made an arrangement of the song for soloist, choir and orchestra, though he does not use the traditional tune. It appears on the album "May We Never Have to Say Goodbye" (2006). Ronnie Browne, a former member of the Scottish group The Corries sang the song on the album "Scottish Love songs" (1995) though he uses the Irish version of the words rather that the Scots version. Steeleye Span recorded the song on "Horkstow Grange". An early version of the song is sometimes attributed to Sir Alex Boswell. The Irish version is usually considered more suitable for modern listeners. It is also the song that the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem would often sing to finish off their concerts. It was released as a single by The Pogues in 1985. [http://www.pogues.com/Releases/Disco/Singles.html http://www.pogues.com/Releases/Lyrics/Singles/HonkyTonk/Parting.html] Bob Dylan used this melody for his song "Restless Farewell" on "The Times They Are A-Changin" album with new verses of his own. "Fill To Me The Parting Glass", performed by Shaun Davey, is perhaps the most popular version of this song, due largely to the success of the movie, Waking Ned Devine.
The High Kings released a version of "The Parting Glass" in 2008 that has also become wildly popular.

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