The Parting Glass – Funeral Songs and Music
The Parting Glass is my favourite Irish Music and song at a Funeral.
It help you release some of the grief and share that moment with others that are in pain.
Often played at the Wake and just before or after the Wake Toast.
The lyrics are about a life well lived. Inspiring the Wake Set.
The toast itself is to speak with heart, about the person and the impact their life may have had on those they loved. Or simply to wish them rest and peace.
With a glass in hand, all in attendance raise that glass to the person lost with water of life ( Uisce Beatha * – Meaning water of life but the Irish Language for Whiskey) and the toast or toasts are spoken.
Many families look for a special glass, a glass they will always keep and use on special occasions to remember the lost person , in a way, to bring them along to the happier occasions in life.
Some families buy our Wake Toast set of Ceramic Tumblers, others ask us for Irish Crystal Tumblers.
Defining a new and enduring tradition.
The idea is that each family member ( Partner & Adult Children) is presented with a Whiskey Tumbler that they will use for the Wake Toast, but will keep their own glass to bring to other family gatherings in the future.
If you would like to know more about our individually handmade Irish Wake set click here.
If you would like to know more about our Irish Hand Cut Crystal Tumblers and “The Parting Glass Collection” through our premier brand partnership with Gifts of Ireland – Click here.
Aidan, the owner of Gifts of Ireland, and a friend of mine, has offered Irish Urns visitors a 10% discount if you use this coupon code PARTINGLASS
**Uisce beatha Pronounced ‘ishka bah-ha’, English-speaking countries simply took the first word–uisce— and mispronounced it, giving it the phonetically written name ‘Whiskey’.
Enjoy – Bob X
PS – See our blog on Irish Wake Toasts by clicking here
The Parting Glass
Of all the money that e’er I had
I have spent it in good company
Oh 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 memory now I can’t recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be to you all
So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befalls
Then 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 would wish me one more day to stay
But since it fell into my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I’ll gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all
So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befalls
Then gently rise and softly call…
Plant an Irish Oak Memorial Tree, in memory, as an enduring gesture to help heal the heart and the planet. Click HERE for more information A handwritten card will accompany the Planting Certificate.
There are a few versions further down this blog page
At the start of a ceremony, these are lovely Uileann Pipe pieces.
Irish Uileann Pipes for a funeral – Can be played just before any formalities
https://dying.lovetoknow.com/Music_at_Irish_Funerals
My own favourite is “The Parting Glass” – here are a few versions – each more emotional than the last.
This is a great one to play just at the end of any formalities, it allows people release grief and bond together.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcJagerw8cM
The more General can be found here http://www.aftering.com/top-10-religious-hymns-music/
I think you will enjoy all the above as they really resonate with the Celt in us all.
