I know it's supposed to be a drinking song that was (as the story goes, at least) composed by a travelling Scot-- the "gently rise and softly call" part is him saying goodbye to his companions that were at the inn as he leaves, and the "parting glass" is that one more for the road type deal-- but I can't help but think of an alternate meaning every time I hear it.
It always reminds me of death. In my mind, the singer knows he's going to die and recalls his life. Maybe he's an old man on his deathbed or a soldier bleeding out. Either way, as he goes, he's content and happy with what he's done, even though his comrades "will be sorry for my going away" and his sweethearts would "wish me one more day to stay."
When he "gently rises" and goes into the "night" of death, it's bittersweet, but he doesn't want anyone to be sad that he's gone. So he wishes them joy, and passes on.
I know it's not really the "real" meaning, but it just really seems to fit to me.
Also, Ed's performance of this is fantastic, I have to say.
I know it's supposed to be a drinking song that was (as the story goes, at least) composed by a travelling Scot-- the "gently rise and softly call" part is him saying goodbye to his companions that were at the inn as he leaves, and the "parting glass" is that one more for the road type deal-- but I can't help but think of an alternate meaning every time I hear it.
It always reminds me of death. In my mind, the singer knows he's going to die and recalls his life. Maybe he's an old man on his deathbed or a soldier bleeding out. Either way, as he goes, he's content and happy with what he's done, even though his comrades "will be sorry for my going away" and his sweethearts would "wish me one more day to stay."
When he "gently rises" and goes into the "night" of death, it's bittersweet, but he doesn't want anyone to be sad that he's gone. So he wishes them joy, and passes on.
I know it's not really the "real" meaning, but it just really seems to fit to me.
Also, Ed's performance of this is fantastic, I have to say.