The Parting Glass The Parting Glass "The Parting Glass" is a Scottish traditional song, often sung at the end of a gathering of friends. It was purportedly the most popular parting song sung in Scotland before Robert Burns wrote "Auld Lang Syne". The "parting glass", or "stirrup cup", or "coupe d'etrier" was the final hospitality offered to a departing guest. Once they had mounted, they were presented one final drink to fortify them for their travels. The custom was practiced in Saxony and in several continental countries. The earliest known printed version was as a broadside in the 1770s and it first appeared
Auld Lang Syne the chorus of "You're a Grand Old Flag". It is plain from the lyrics that this is deliberate. John Philip Sousa quotes the melody in the Trio section of his 1924 march "Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company" In the Sacred Harp choral tradition, an arrangement of it exists under the name "Plenary". The lyrics are a "memento mori" and begin with the words "Hark! from the tomb a doleful sound". Another Christian setting, using the name "Fair Haven" for the same tune, uses the text "Hail! Sweetest, Dearest Tie That Binds" by Amos Sutton. The University of Virginia's "alma mater"