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The Parting Glass

from When Two Lovers Meet by Sarah McQuaid

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This version differs a bit from the standard; I learned it from the singing of Len Graham. Here it’s a duet with myself and Niamh Parsons taking turns singing solo, unison and harmony. I’d known Niamh for some time but had never sung with her until the day she came over to Trevor’s to record the song, so it was a great surprise to hear how well our two voices worked together.

lyrics

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 as it has so ordered been
What is, once past, can’t be recalled
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

Oh if I had money enough to spend
I’d spend it in good company
And for all the harm that I have done
I hope it’s pardoned I will be

But as it has so ordered been
What is, once past, can’t be recalled
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

Oh of all the friends that e’er I’ve had
They’re sorry for my going away
And of all the sweethearts that ever I’ve had
They’d wish me one more day to stay

But as it has so ordered been
What is, once past, can’t be recalled
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

credits

from When Two Lovers Meet, released February 1, 1997
Trad arr. S. McQuaid / N. Parsons
Sarah – vocals
Niamh Parsons – vocals

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Sarah McQuaid Penzance, UK

“One of the most instantly recognisable voices in current music … Shades of Joni Mitchell in a jam with Karen Carpenter and Lana Del Rey.” —Neil March, Trust The Doc

“Captivating, unorthodox songwriting … layered satin vocals ... enthralling, harrowing arrangements … a gateway into a true innovator’s soul.” —PopMatters

See sarahmcquaid.com/about for more info.
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