The Parting Glass
Ed Sheeran Lyrics


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Of all the money that e'er i had, i spent it in good company
And of 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. goodnight and joy be with you all

Of 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 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, "goodnight 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 welcomed back again
But since it has so ordered been 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

Overall Meaning

The Parting Glass is a traditional Irish and Scottish song that is commonly sung as a farewell song when a gathering is about to come to an end. In Ed Sheeran's version of the song, the lyrics express the singer's reflection on his life and how he has spent his time, with the understanding that it is time for him to move on.


In the first verse, the singer acknowledges that he has spent all of his money in good company, enjoying the time he has spent with others. He also admits to causing harm to himself but not to others. The singer acknowledges that there are moments in his past where he has made poor decisions, caused harm to himself, and can no longer recall them. The singer acknowledges the need to part ways and wishes joy to be with those he is leaving behind.


In the second verse, the singer acknowledges that his comrades and sweethearts will miss him and wish he could stay longer, but he understands that it is time for him to go. He promises to rise gently and softly call out his farewell, wishing joy to those he is leaving behind. The lyric also acknowledges that drinking, fighting or courting someone are all experiences that a man can have, but life will always have its ups and downs, both good and bad times, which are inevitable.


Overall, the song serves as a reflection on life and how we spend our time in the company of others. It highlights the importance of appreciating those around us and the inevitability of endings and goodbyes.


Line by Line Meaning

Of all the money that e'er i had, i spent it in good company
I don't regret spending all my money on good times with good friends


And of all the harm that e'er i've done, alas it was to none but me
I've made mistakes, but they didn't hurt anyone but myself


And all I've done for want of wit, to memory now I can't recall
I've made some foolish choices and can't even remember them now


So fill to me the parting glass. Goodnight and joy be with you all
Let's drink to the memories we've made, and wish each other well as we part ways


Of all the comrades that e'er i had, they're sorry for my going away
My friends will miss me and feel sad when I leave


And all the sweethearts that e'er i had, they would wish me one more day to stay
Even my past loves would want me to stay just a little longer


But since it falls unto my lot that i should rise and you should not
I have to leave, but you can stay behind


I'll gently rise and I'll softly call, 'goodnight and joy be with you all!'
I'll say goodbye quietly and wish you all happiness


A man may drink and not be drunk, a man may fight and not be slain
It's possible to enjoy life without going overboard


A man may court a pretty girl and perhaps be welcomed back again
Even if you get rejected in love, you might still be given another chance


But since it has so ordered been by a time to rise and a time to fall
We all have our time to move on and let go


Come fill to me the parting glass, good night and joy be with you all
Let's have one last drink together and wish each other well as we say goodbye


Good night and joy be with you all
Farewell, and may happiness be with you all




Contributed by Colin J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@dkeane6152

May the Irish hills caress you.

May her lakes and rivers bless you.

May the luck of the Irish enfold you.

May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
 
For each petal on the shamrock

This brings a wish your way

Good health, good luck, and good happiness

For today and every day.



@hanaislamovic7874

Verse 1]
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 memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

[Verse 2]
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

[Verse 3]
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 welcomed 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



All comments from YouTube:

@Finnr100

At 66 years old. I have sung this song far more than I wish I had. You never know when that parting glass will be the last one with those friends.

@PTSR_YT

And your comment got 66 likes.

@razor6552

Aye

@katew546

Your comment really touched me... May I ask where you are from?

@Ratan2426

No diga mmds

@JD-cg8it

Wow that's deep.

13 More Replies...

@lechasseur1788

"In a world without gold, we could have been heroes."
- Edward Thatch❤️

@chummyboye2829

LeChasseur R.I.P.

@schwakyl000

LeChasseur how can you quote him with a Templar Cross as your profile picture lol that's not right.

@ANISH00002

well he probably went rogue

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