The Parting Glass

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Of all the money that e'er I had,
I spent it in good company.
And all the harm that e'er 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.

Of all the comrades that e'er I had,
They are sorry for my going away,
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had,
They would 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 I'll softly call,
Good night and joy be with you all.

A man may drink and not be drunk,
A man may fight and not be slain,
A man may court a pretty girl,
And perhaps be welcome back again.
But since it has so ought to be,
By a time to rise and a time to fall,
Come fill to me the parting glass,
Good night and joy be with you all.
Good night and joy be with you all.

Read more at http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858888755/#Gh67KrlV4005WZ2E.99 


My Interpretation:I know it's supposed to be a drinking song that was (as the story goes, at least) composed by a travelling Scot-- the "gently rise and softly call" part is him saying goodbye to his companions that were at the inn as he leaves, and the "parting glass" is that one more for the road type deal-- but I can't help but think of an alternate meaning every time I hear it.

It always reminds me of death. In my mind, the singer knows he's going to die and recalls his life. Maybe he's an old man on his deathbed or a soldier bleeding out. Either way, as he goes, he's content and happy with what he's done, even though his comrades "will be sorry for my going away" and his sweethearts would "wish me one more day to stay."

When he "gently rises" and goes into the "night" of death, it's bittersweet, but he doesn't want anyone to be sad that he's gone. So he wishes them joy, and passes on.

I know it's not really the "real" meaning, but it just really seems to fit to me.

Also, Ed's performance of this is fantastic, I have to say.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------