The Parting Glass

Jo Miller: On Autumn Harvest ah08: Old Songs & Bothy Ballads: There's Bound to be a Row. Recorded at the Fife Traditional Singing Festival May 2009.

A fine song to sing when a gathering of friends comes to the end of the day - or when a ceilidh draws to a close.

1: Kind friends and companions come join me in rhyme,
And lift up your voices in chorus wi mine;
Lift up your voices all grief to refrain,
For we may or might never all meet here again.

Chorus:

Here's a health to the company and one to my love,

We'll drink and be merry all out of one glass;

Drink and be merry all grief to refrain,

For we may or might never all meet here again.

2: My ship lies in harbour, she's ready tae sail,
God grant her safe passage without any gale;
And if ever I return again by land or by sea,
I will always remember your kindness tae me.

3: Here's a health to the friendships that we hold so dear,
Here's a health to the sweethearts we once held so near;
A health to the true love that fortune bestows,
May the future make friends of all our foes.

Chorus:

Here's a health to the company and one to my love,

We'll drink and be merry all out of one glass;

Drink and be merry all grief to refrain,

For we may or might never all meet here again.

c p 2010 Autumn Harvest : www.springthyme.co.uk