Good night and joy be with you all: Singer on an enduring anthem of loss and hope
Acclaimed author asks star to record haunting version of bittersweet classic
It is already an enduring anthem of bittersweet farewell but has found new popularity in a world looking for hope amid the sadness.
The Parting Glass, a folk song, Scottish or Irish depending on who or where you ask, dates back centuries but continues to stir emotion. Last week, a specially commissioned version was chosen by acclaimed author Margaret Atwood to close her stint as guest editor on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
It was a tribute to her partner of four decades, fellow author Graeme Gibson, who died in 2019. Introducing the song, the Handmaid’s Tale novelist said: “Graeme and I had a lot to do with Scotland over the years and we actually had this at his memorial service. It’s a song that can be read several ways, either ‘I’m going on a journey and you aren’t’ or ‘I’m leaving this plane of earthly existence and you’re not.’”
As with many songs of its age, a complex history lies behind how The Parting Glass has come to be the song we know it as today.
With versions of the tune and lyrics dating back to the early 1600s, it seems to have been batted backwards and forwards across the Irish Sea and beyond, with the melody and words changing over time.
Well known in both Scotland and Ireland, it was reputedly the most popular song of farewell until Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne arrived in the late 18th Century. Scotland’s Bard seemed to be a fan though, referring to the tune as “Goodnight and joy be wi’ you a’” as he set the lyrics of his song The Farewell To The Brethren Of St James’ Lodge, Tarbolton to it.
Centuries on, the new version to end 2020 was recorded for Atwood by award-winning singer-songwriter and composer Karine Polwart. Put together with her friend Dave Milligan on piano at Castlesound Studios in East Lothian, Karine said she was honoured to be asked to create her own version.
“I’ve never performed it before but have sung along with other people,” said Karine. “It’s been a part of so many sessions and is a real staple of Scottish and Irish folk festivals. It’s quite daunting to sing because it’s one that’s quite special to a lot of people. It’s very special to Margaret and her family. It’s a gorgeous song.
“I’ve had lots of beautiful messages about it. Margaret is one of my literary heroes, she’s an incredible thinker and amazing activist.”
The song draws on the custom of a parting glass that dates back to Saxon times – essentially one for the road, a final gesture of hospitality to a departing guest.
It developed into a custom for the end of a night, but the emotion packed into the lyrics has also meant it has become a song of tribute to comrades or loved ones lost.
“Inevitably because of the words and the feel of it, it’s a song that has been played at thousands of funerals,” said Karine.
“There’s something really beautiful about the sentiment of ‘joy be with you all’. It really packs a punch, given that there’s no parting or gathering right now.”
The Parting Glass was brought into the spotlight in the mid-20th Century after performances by The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. Versions have been performed by The Pogues and Sinead O’connor, as well as Ed Sheeran who included it as a hidden track on his debut album +.
The song remains an all-time favourite of writer, musician and broadcaster Mary Ann Kennedy, who acclaimed the beautiful new version recorded by her friend.
“It was a wee oasis on the radio,” she said. “I didn’t immediately recognise it was Karine. I just revelled in the voice and words. Then I realised it was a Scottish voice singing it. My ears always prick up when I hear the song.”
Mary Ann understands why so many people have gravitated towards The Parting Glass during the pandemic.
“People are desperate to be in the company of their nearest and dearest, and their dearest this year are not necessarily the nearest,” she said. “The Parting Glass is extending a hand to others, whether you’re actually physically able to give them a hug or whether you’re sending it via the song. I understand why so many people have been drawn to the words. It’s poignant, but I always regard it as such a positive song..”
As with many traditional songs, it’s difficult to trace its exact origins. Dr Lori Watson, a lecturer in Scottish ethnology at Edinburgh University, said: “We have many examples of songs and melodies evolving over time.
“Like many, I sang a version at a family funeral a few years ago. Music that is used to mark important moments in our lives, and is repeated in these settings, is gifted additional social and personal meaning – grief and pain at leaving, separating, different paths, inequality, unknown futures.”