The Kilkennys are a 4-piece traditional Irish ballad group, who have been e… Read Full Bio ↴The Kilkennys are a 4-piece traditional Irish ballad group, who have been entertaining audiences all over the country, and internationally for the past ten years, with their unique and accomplished style of playing and vocal talent. Known as one of the hardest working bands in Ireland, they perform the length and breath of the country up to five nights a week. Up to now, they have been performing as Uisce Beatha, but due to various crucial reasons and the fact that a few bands with the same name have sprung up around the world, the decision was taken to change the name to The Kilkennys, as the boys are very proud of their black and amber roots! This name change coincided with the band signing up to Dolphin Records, the record company of such Irish music legends as Mary and Frances Black, Liam Clancy, Dolores Keane, Ronnie Drew, Jack L and Sonny Knowles. The band was originally formed by Dave Cashin, Adam Cashin and Tommy Mackey, while at school in St. Kierans College in Kilkenny. Robbie Campion would later come on board to complete the bands unique vocal and musical sound. The Kilkennys have shared the stage with some of the country's most prominent folk icons, including Shane McGowan, Finbarr Furey and the late Ronnie Drew. They have also toured Scotland, Germany and the US on a number of occasions to great acclaim. Now with the forthcoming release of their debut album and live DVD, audiences will be enthralled by the energy, passion and musical talents of The Kilkennys.

Members:
DAVID CASHIN: Vocals, Mandolin, Banjo, Whistles. ADAM CASHIN: Vocals, Bodhran and Percussion. ROBBIE CAMPION: Vocals, Guitar and Banjo. TOMMY MACKEY: Vocals, Bass Guitar

Parting Glass
The Kilkennys Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Of all the money that e'er I had
I spent it in good company
And all the harm I've ever done
Alas it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To mem'ry now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be to you all

Fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate'er befalls
And gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to 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'd wish me one more day to stay
But since it fell unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all

Fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate'er befalls
And gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all

Fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate'er befalls
I gently rise and softly call

Good night and joy be to you all.
Good night and joy be to you all.

Overall Meaning

The Kilkennys’ “Parting Glass” is a poignant and melancholic song that speaks of the singer’s reflections and farewells to everyone he has known in his life. The song appears to be so emotional and introspective as it speaks of all the money that the singer spent in good company and all the harm he did, realizing in the end that it was all to himself. The singer speaks of all the things that he has done for the want of wit and can no longer remember, which is quite a thought-provoking statement.

The singer, in the next stanza, mentions how all his comrades and sweethearts would wish him to stay just a day longer, as they are sorry for his going away, but it is apparent that it is not up to him. It is a sad recognition that he should rise and others should not, which shows deep humility and a sense of honoring the transient nature of life. Nevertheless, the singer sends his good wishes of good night and joy to everyone in the end, calling on them to fill his parting glass and drink a health whatever befalls.

Line by Line Meaning

Of all the money that e'er I had
Out of all the money I’ve had throughout my life

I spent it in good company
I used it to spend time with good people, in good spirits

And all the harm I've ever done
Looking back, every negative thing I’ve caused

Alas it was to none but me
It has only caused harm to myself

And all I've done for want of wit
My foolish actions driven by my lack of wisdom

To memory now I can't recall
I can't even remember half of what I did

So fill to me the parting glass
That's why I'm raising this final toast

Good night and joy be to you all
Wishing everyone well as we part ways

And drink a health whate'er befalls
Let's drink to whatever comes

And gently rise and softly call
As the night comes to an end, let's rise and part ways gently

Of all the comrades that e'er I had
Out of all the people I’ve called my friends