The Parting Glass: 5 Hidden Meanings Behind Boygenius's Poignant Sinéad O'Connor Tribute

The Parting Glass, a traditional Scottish/Irish ballad, has been given a new, profoundly moving life by the supergroup boygenius—comprising Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker—in a special collaboration with the Irish folk duo Ye Vagabonds. Released as a charity single, this cover is far more than just a musical rendition; it is a powerful, layered tribute to a legend and a continuation of a centuries-old tradition.

As of December 11, 2025, the track remains a deeply resonant piece, capturing the essence of farewell, friendship, and reflection. The project, which saw all net proceeds directed to a crucial Dublin-based charity, has cemented the song's place not only in the boygenius discography but also in the modern history of Irish folk music. Here is the definitive deep-dive into the lyrics, the historical context, and the powerful meaning behind the cover.

The Boygenius & Ye Vagabonds Collaboration: A Tribute to Sinéad O'Connor

The cover of "The Parting Glass" was released in late 2023, shortly after boygenius's critically acclaimed album *The Record* and their high-profile Saturday Night Live (SNL) performance. The timing and intention behind the release elevate it beyond a typical cover song.

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The trio, joined by the acclaimed Irish folk musicians Ye Vagabonds (brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn), recorded the track as a direct and heartfelt tribute to the late Irish icon, Sinéad O'Connor, who passed away in July 2023.

The choice of "The Parting Glass" was deliberate, as O'Connor herself had recorded a powerful version of the song for her 2002 album, *Sean-Nós Nua*.

Crucially, the entire endeavor was a charitable one. At the behest of the Sinéad O'Connor Estate, all net proceeds from the single are being donated to The Aisling Project.

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The Aisling Project is an after-school intervention program based in Ballymun, Dublin, providing essential support and resources to children and young people.

The Full Lyrics: boygenius & Ye Vagabonds

The version performed by boygenius and Ye Vagabonds is a faithful rendition of the traditional lyrics, focusing on themes of camaraderie, acceptance, and a peaceful farewell. Phoebe Bridgers takes the lead vocal, with Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker providing the signature boygenius harmonies, complemented by the authentic folk instrumentation of Ye Vagabonds.

Of all the money that e'er I spent
I spent it in good company
And of all the harm that e'er I've done
Alas, it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To end all strife, to reconcile
The best that e'er I've seen or met
Is a short time to stay yet

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So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate'er befall
Then gently rise and softly call
"Good night and joy be with you all"

Of all the comrades that e'er I had
They're sorry for my going away
And of all the sweethearts that e'er I had
They'd wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and softly call
"Good night and joy be with you all"

So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate'er befall
Then gently rise and softly call
"Good night and joy be with you all"

Decoding the 5 Hidden Meanings in "The Parting Glass"

To fully appreciate the boygenius cover, one must understand the deep historical and cultural layers of the song. It is a piece steeped in centuries of tradition, making its modern interpretation intensely meaningful.

1. The Ancient History of the "Parting Song"

The song is one of the oldest and most popular traditional Scottish and Irish ballads, with its earliest known precursor dating back to the 17th century, around 1654.

The term "Parting Glass" refers to the final drink shared among friends at the end of a social gathering—a wake, a funeral, or simply a night of revelry. It is a formal, yet tender, moment of saying farewell, and the song’s original function was precisely this: a gentle benediction before a long journey or a final separation.

2. The Theme of Self-Absolution and Acceptance

The opening lines are perhaps the most striking and personal part of the lyric:

• "Of all the money that e'er I spent / I spent it in good company"
• "And of all the harm that e'er I've done / Alas, it was to none but me"

This couplet suggests a profound self-reflection, a final acceptance of one's life. The speaker acknowledges a life well-spent among friends ("good company") and takes sole responsibility for any mistakes or "harm" done, absolving others of blame. This theme of personal reckoning is what makes the song a favorite for funerals and wakes, offering a sense of peace and closure.

3. The Poignant "Long Goodbye"

The second verse introduces the sorrow of those left behind:

• "Of all the comrades that e'er I had / They're sorry for my going away"
• "And of all the sweethearts that e'er I had / They'd wish me one more day to stay"

This verse shifts the perspective from the departing person to the friends and loved ones. It highlights the universal human desire for "one more day to stay," emphasizing the pain of separation. The boygenius rendition, with its close, almost whispered harmonies, beautifully conveys this intimacy and sorrow, making the farewell feel personal and immediate.

4. The Connection to Sinéad O'Connor's Legacy

By covering the song specifically as a tribute, boygenius is not just performing a ballad; they are honoring O'Connor's deep connection to her Irish roots and her own powerful legacy. O'Connor’s version, released on *Sean-Nós Nua*, was part of an album dedicated to the traditional Irish singing style known as *sean-nós* (old style).

The boygenius cover, therefore, acts as a passing of the torch, connecting the contemporary indie-rock supergroup to the rich, ancient tradition of Irish music that O'Connor championed. It is a moment of cross-generational and cross-genre respect, facilitated by the authentic sound of Ye Vagabonds. The proceeds going to The Aisling Project also directly align with O'Connor's lifelong commitment to social justice and supporting vulnerable communities in Dublin.

5. The Universal Message of Hope and Farewell

The song’s chorus is its most enduring and hopeful element:

• "So fill to me the parting glass / And drink a health whate'er befall"
• "Then gently rise and softly call / 'Good night and joy be with you all'"

The final lines are a blessing, a wish for "joy" to be with those remaining. The phrase "whate'er befall" is a stoic acceptance of fate, whether the parting is a short goodbye or a final one. The use of "gently rise and softly call" suggests a peaceful, non-disruptive departure. In the context of the boygenius cover, this chorus is a tender, collective wish for peace for Sinéad O'Connor and a comforting message to her fans and family.

The Parting Glass in Popular Culture: A Legacy of Covers

The enduring power of "The Parting Glass" is evident in the sheer number of famous artists who have covered it. This broad appeal demonstrates its status as a timeless piece of musical poetry. These other entities and covers provide topical depth and context to the boygenius version:

• The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem: Their 1963 live version from Carnegie Hall is often cited as one of the definitive recordings, bringing the song to a wider American audience.
• The Dubliners: Another legendary Irish folk group, The Dubliners, also have a well-loved version, further cementing its place in traditional Irish music.
• Hozier: The Irish singer-songwriter Hozier performed a powerful rendition, often dedicating it to those who have lost their lives, showcasing its modern use as a song of remembrance.
• Ed Sheeran: The global pop star Ed Sheeran, who has Irish roots, performed the ballad live for the public television series *Live from the Artists Den*.
• Celtic Woman and Peter Hollens: Other contemporary artists and groups, including the vocal ensemble Celtic Woman and a cappella artist Peter Hollens, have also recorded the song, proving its adaptability across different musical styles.

The boygenius and Ye Vagabonds collaboration is the latest, and perhaps most emotionally resonant, addition to this long, distinguished lineage. It ensures that the ancient, beautiful message of "Good night and joy be with you all" continues to be heard by a new generation of listeners, all while supporting the vital work of The Aisling Project.