The Parting Glass

Started by Alaric, December 04, 2009, 11:16:58 PM

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Alaric

Liam Clancy died today.

Liam was the last surviving member of the Clancy Brothers. I can't adequately express how important this group was, for Irish music, for folk music, and for me, personally. My father, though not Irish himself, had known the Clancys at one time, and I grew up hearing their recordings. About a decade ago, I got to see Liam perform live multiple times at the Mystic Sea Music Festival, and later I saw him in New York. He was an amazing performer; I can't even begin to describe what his performances were like. His singing was powerful, full of life, real, funny- even scary, in a way.

Of all the money that e'er I spent
I've spent it in good company
And all the harm that ever I did
Alas it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

If I had money enough to spend
And leisure to sit awhile
There is a fair maid in the town
That sorely has my heart beguiled
Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips
I own she has my heart enthralled
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

Oh, 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 falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be with you all

Fear the "A"!!!