The Parting Glass

The High Kings · The High Kings [2008]

Of all the money that e'er I had,

I spent it in good company.

And all the harm I've ever 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 to you all.

CHORUS

[So] fill to me the parting glass

And drink a health whate'er befalls

And gently rise and softly call

Good night and joy be to you all

Of all the comrades that e'er I had,

They're sorry for my going away.

And all the sweethearts that e'er I had,

They'd wish me one more day to stay.

But since it fell unto my lot,

That I should rise and you should not,

I gently rise and softly call,

Good night and joy be to you all.

CHORUS [omit "so"], [instrumental break, humming]

But since it fell unto my lot,

That I should rise and you should not,

I gently rise and softly call,

Good night and joy be to you all.

CHORUS, repeat last line of chorus

The Parting Glass

The High Kings' "The Parting Glass" stands as a poignant centerpiece on their 2008 debut album, showcasing the band's mastery of traditional Irish folk instrumentation. Blending acoustic guitar, fiddle, and bodhrán with a driving rhythmic pulse, the track captures the melancholic spirit of rural Ireland while maintaining a contemporary edge. As a lead single, it effectively introduced the group to a wider audience, highlighting their ability to reinterpret ancient ballad structures with modern production values. The song's lyrical narrative, though not quoted here, reflects themes of separation and the enduring connection to one's homeland, resonating deeply within the Celtic revival movement. Its inclusion on the opening record set the tone for the band's subsequent discography, establishing them as a significant force in modern traditional music.