8-29-11 - "The Parting Glass" ~ The Wailin' Jennys

One of my best friends is embarking on a cross-country journey to start a new job in Tacoma, Washington.  Jake's last night in Pittsburgh was last night, and after countless "guys nites" and hangouts over the past several years, and having him share a house with me and some other great guys for the last year and a half, it's going to be pretty strange not having him around.  We had a big farewell party on Saturday which was well-attended, but perhaps even more special was a more intimate gathering last night, with just a few close friends sharing one last conversation and one last drink.


This song is actually from the point of view of the one leaving friends behind, but it expresses the feelings well.  The Celtic tune and lyric date back to the 1700s, and numerous artists in the modern era have sung it.  I think I like this version best.  The somber tone evokes the sorrow of leaving a loved hometown and cherished friends and family, and the a capella harmonies are exquisite:

Live version:

No matter how sorrowful the parting, however, we can take joy in knowing that our friend is moving to another great place, where he will have a rewarding job and surely make new friends, and that we'll see him again.  Also, we now have an excuse to go to the Pacific Northwest, not that an excuse is needed to go to a place that awesome...


"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..."