The Parting Glass
The Parting Glass is a traditional air -- the last song sung before the evening ends, with a well-wishing for the road. There's a sadness there too. As a young folksinger, I loved this one.
Here it is sung with poignant harmony by the intrepid Makem and Clancy -- that's Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem of Clancy Brothers Fame.
These two were definitely the heart of this group. Liam was the soloist in many of the group's classics, and one of Tommy's most unique songs was The Cobbler.
Tommy Makem died in 2007 in New Hampshire at the age of 74. His funeral was of course a musical event.
Liam was the youngest and most talented Clancy Brother, with the best voice. Before his passing in 2009 age 74, Alan Gilsenan made a film about his life. Called The Yellow Bittern, it was a fitting tribute and for those who remember the heyday of the Clancy Brothers, a trip backwards in time.