Muireann's first recordings were on a CD of Irish traditional music and song performed by Geantraí, a group of musicians who performed a show of the same name in the Skellig hotel in Dingle. She also recorded on a number of CDs including The Crooked Road by William Coulter, Cello by Barry Phillips, and several compilation CDs. As part of the requirements for her MA in traditional music performance, Muireann produced a solo album of tunes and songs, entitled Réalt na Maidine/Morning Star. A limited edition of this album was distributed, mainly locally in Dingle, although copies were also sold in the United States and Europe.
Muireann's joining of traditional Irish supergroup Danú in 2003 marked a new departure in her musical career. Ciarán O Gealbháin, Danú's former lead singer, left the band in 2003, and Muireann took over as singer and whistle player, occasionally joining band member Tom Doorley in playing the flute. She recorded her first album with Danú in 2003, called The Road Less Travelled (The American release of the album spelled the title Traveled). The addition of Nic Amhlaoibh to the band lineup was hailed as a success. Danú recorded an album of solos in 2004, entitled Up In The Air, and Muireann played and sang on three tracks. 2005 saw the band release the album When All is Said and Done. Muireann participated in the project Hands Across the Water. This was a collaboration album with participation from dozens of high profile traditional and folk musicians and singers, with the proceeds of album sales going to victims of the tsunami in southeast Asia. Muireann released her first major solo CD in 2006, entitled Daybreak/Fáinne an Lae. It featured musicians such as Oisín Mc Auley and Eamonn Doorley from Danú, Gerry O Beirne, and John Doyle from Solas.
Muireann's television appearances include The Highland Sessions, a BBC Four television series featuring Irish and Scottish Gaelic music. Other television work work includes The Late Late Show, Amuigh Faoin Spéir by Éamonn de Buitléir, The History of Irish Dance, Léargas, and An Ghaeilge Bheo. Radio work includes Rattlebag and The Late Session with Aine Hensey on RTE, and An Saol ó Dheas on Radio na Gaeltachta.
The Parting Glass
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
If I had money enough to spend and leisure time to sit awhile
There is a fair maid in this town that sorely has my heart beguiled
Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips I own she has my heart in thrall
Oh 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 beg 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 softly call, "Good night and joy be with you all"
The Parting Glass is an old Scottish and Irish song often sung during farewell occasions. The song is melancholic as it reflects on the memories that will be left behind upon leaving friends and loved ones. The first verse talks about the singer's past where they spent all their money in good company and didn't cause any harm to anyone except themselves. The singer regrets their past actions and wishes they could remember it all. The line "So fill to me the parting glass" refers to a tradition where guests would raise a glass to say goodbye.
The second verse tells a story of unrequited love. The singer is captivated by a fair maiden in town, who has stolen their heart but they cannot do anything about it because they don't have the resources to pursue her. Throughout the verse, the singer expresses their longing for the lady's "rosy cheeks and ruby lips" but resigns themselves to fill the parting glass in farewell.
The last verse talks about the singer's friends and sweethearts begging them to not go away. However, it is their fate to leave and they accept it. The last line "I'll gently rise and softly call, ‘Good night and joy be with you all’” is a beautiful way to say farewell to loved ones. Overall, The Parting Glass is a beautiful and emotional song about saying goodbye to friends and loved ones.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh all the money that e'er I had, I spent it in good company
I spent all of my money in the company of good people.
And all the harm that e'er I've done, alas, it was to none but me
I've only ever harmed myself, unfortunately.
And all I've done for want of wit to memory now I can't recall
I can't remember all the foolish things I did in the past due to my ignorance.
So fill to me the parting glass, good night and joy be with you all
Let's have one last drink together before saying goodbye. Goodnight and may you all have joy.
If I had money enough to spend and leisure time to sit awhile
If only I had enough money and time to indulge myself.
There is a fair maid in this town that sorely has my heart beguiled
There is a beautiful girl in this town that has captured my heart.
Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips I own she has my heart in thrall
Her beauty has completely captivated me.
Oh all the comrades that e'er I had, they're sorry for my going away
All of my friends are sad to see me leave.
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had, they beg me one more day to stay
My previous partners are also pleading for me to stay.
But since it falls unto my lot that I should rise and you should not
It is my fate to leave while you must stay behind.
I'll gently rise and softly call, "Good night and joy be with you all"
I will leave quietly and bid you all farewell with good wishes.
Writer(s): Donal Lunny, Shane Patrick Lysaght Macgowan, . Traditional, Cora Venus Lunny, Jeremy Max Finer, Sinead O'connor, Loreena Mckennitt, Cait O'riordan, The Pogues, Carlton Courtney Ogilvie Copyright: Promostraat Bv, Quinlan Road Music Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Ltd., Perfect Songs Ltd., Jack Russell Music, Universal Music Publishing Mgb Ltd.
Contributed by Jordyn V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.