The Greystone Parting Song
At Greystone, we revel in the beauty of God's ordered creation and push hard against the haste and waste of modern life. This, and not only rigorous study and research, is the Greystone way. We routinely slow down with quality food and drink and extended table conversation, song, and laughter, believing that this habit helps strengthen and enrich our relationships to one another, to the texts and ideas we discuss, and to the God who has wisely made us the ways we are. The times around the table are an essential part of how Greystone seeks to encourage a long-view perspective on life and godliness. As these times come to an end, we all send one another off with a parting song, the Greystone Parting Song.
“The Parting Glass” is a Scottish traditional song of farewell that can be traced back to the 17th century. This song was often sung at the end of a gathering of friends. This traditional Scottish song has been rewritten by Dr. Mark A. Garcia for Greystone events, and is sung to the traditional tune (for an example of this traditional tune see it performed by The High Kings). In this revised version you’ll hear the distinctive notes of Greystone’s history and identity, including a nod to our original name—“Wince and Sing”—drawn from a Gerard Manley Hopkins poem, the theological interest in doxology and the “Amen” of the Bridal Church, divine gathering, the cycles of the year, fellowship, feasting, friendship, wisdom, and pilgrimage. Historically, a “parting glass” was one last drink enjoyed as the departing group had begun to leave, and was meant to give strength for the travels ahead. In the same way, the Greystone Parting Song closes our time of fellowship at Greystone events with edification, encouragement, and strength for the days ahead.
Of all the hours that e'er I had
I spent these in good company.
Of all the finest fare I’ve had
My treasure is with you to feast.
For all we’ve done a foretaste gives
Of bonds and bliss beyond re-call.
So fill to me the parting glass.
Good night and joy be to you all!
So fill to me the parting glass
And share with me whate'er befall.
‘Til the gath’ring Spir’t re-call
Good night and joy be to you all!
In winter’s night and summer’s day
The Lord his harvest surely gleans.
From near and far the gathered say,
“Amen, amen! So let it be!”
The Father does in wisdom bring
The pilgrim’s heart to wince and sing
The Bride’s and Spirit’s rousing call,
“In God the Son be glory all!”
Fill to me the parting glass
And share with me whate'er befall.
‘Til the gath’ring Spir’t re-call
Good night and joy be to you all!
Repeat:
The Father does in wisdom bring
The pilgrim’s heart to wince and sing
The Bride’s and Spirit’s rousing call,
“In God the Son be glory all!”
So fill to me the parting glass
And share with me whate'er befall.
‘Til the gath’ring Spir’t re-call
Good night and joy be to you all!
Good night and joy be to you all!
Tune: “The Parting Glass” traditional tune (example by The High Kings)