Sunday, August 29, 2010

perfect lullaby::The Parting Glass


I should really just let this lullaby sing for itself. There's nothing I can add to it through my words. It's perfect all on its own. I am listening to it again and again as it melts away the noise and tension of the day and carries me soothingly, driftily, soul intact, to sleep. May it soothe and enchant you at whatever time of day you chance upon it. (I do wish they had just walked silently offstage at the end and not broken the spell they cast.) 
The full lyrics of this Irish folk tune, "The Parting Glass," are printed for you below. (The Wailin' Jennys omit the last stanza.) Goodnight ... and joy be with you all.


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.

3 comments:

The Salvatierras said...

Sarah! I LOVE your blog! So thoughtful and lovely! Thank you for writing out the lyrics to that song - I so enjoy listening to the Wailin' Jennys, but I have yet to listen carefully to their lyrics, Oh so beautiful! I'm so blessed to have you as my next door neighbor. You rock!

slowpoke said...

Laura, you're such an encourager! I merely copied and pasted the lyrics. I'm glad we share an appreciation for the Wailin' Jennys! Love you, neighbor!

Anonymous said...

Oh, oh. I love it. Thank you for sharing the song!