The Wailin’ Jennys: The Parting Glass
The Wailin’ Jennys came up in my feed a while ago, and this song in particular is one that really caught my ear.
It was their harmonies that entranced me, and pulled me in. And it wasn’t until tonight that I actually looked up the song, and realized this was a traditional Scottish song (and a popular song sung in Ireland).
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 memory now I can’t recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all
I love the idea that there is a song to be sung, that involves a shared glass of whisky on parting. In many ways, this seems like the counter to the quaich, a vessel that serves to commemorate friendship (and always struck me as a tradition of welcome).
In searching for a live version of this song, I found this performance by the Wailin’ Jennys from 2007. I also discovered more recent versions: one from Hozier (2020) and one from Ed Sheeran (2014).
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