9. Farewell Until Tomorrow

© Robbie O’Connell 2011 Slievenamon Music (BMI)

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of farewell songs in the folk music tradition. Even so, I thought I would throw my hat into the ring and add one of my own. It’s not a farewell to a particular person or place but more of a reflection on the nature of friendship and love and how we feel diminished by the absence of those we care about. 

As we approach our twilight years, we inevitably reach that stage of life where we find ourselves attending too many funerals as our friends are taken from us. Songs have an amazing ability to call up vivid memories of people and places long gone. Music is one of the few things that can help assuage our grief. 

A reluctance to bidding adieu is a hallmark of the Irish character. In situations like house parties, we tend to slip away quietly without making a fuss, a move known as an “Irish goodbye.” I have to admit to being guilty of such a maneuver, on occasion. However,  a farewell is something we all have to experience numerous times in our lives. Usually a sad occasion but not always. I love Oscar Wilde’s take on it. "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go."

This is one of my personal favorites of the songs that I have written.

Lyrics:

FAREWELL UNTIL TOMORROW

© Robbie O’Connell 2011 Slievenamon Music (BMI)

Let’s raise a glass to friendship now and pour another measure,
For rich indeed are those to whom their friendships are their treasure.
The long and lonely winter nights can't wound the heart held fast 
By friendship’s ties or true love's bonds, forever they will last.

Chorus

The time has come to say farewell
But parting's such sweet sorrow.
Let’s hope our roads entwine again
Farewell until tomorrow.

The bitter wind of time can blow and chill the lonely heart.
But lovers find the warmth they seek though they be far apart.
Fond memories of bygone days will surely last forever.
For all the greatest joys in life are those we share together.

As through life's toils we soldier on, who knows what fate awaits,
The unrelenting joys of love or the lonely heart that aches.
The planets turn, the seasons change and age creeps slowly o'er us. 
We never see the turns along the path laid out before us.