The Parting Glass | The Longest Johns feat.

Listen to more songs by Natalie, subscribe to her channel and buy some of her merch! (Links below)
When we spoke to Natalie about collaborating on a song, we were overjoyed about the idea of getting to sing the Parting Glass together. The song is famous for how emotive and powerful it is, and Natalie puts such an amazing performance to it that was a joy to be a part of.
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Natalie Holmes
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The Longest Johns
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#natalieholmes #thelongestjohns #partingglass

[@FyremaelGlittersparkle]

The ending of Black Flag actually made me cry, and this song was pretty much the tipping point. At the moment he saw his dead friends around that table, it just hit me emotionally.

[@Alex-gd8hr]

Yes. Yes it did. Around that table, it was exactly something that pulls into that world.

[@dylanernst9116]

Do you think we will see any pirates?

[@azzot7922]

@@dylanernst9116 I don't know, maybe one day we'll see, but legendary game that black flag is we won't see for a long time

[@Rocketcustompaints]

I see this song, I see that scene, you aren't alone

[@ThatOneGuy9556]

“As I look upon the course I’ve run, I realize there’s not a man or woman I love left standing beside me.” Edward’s story is such a sad one.

[@NatalieHolmes]

Such a damn privilege to get to sing with you guys! You all did such a beautiful job on those harmonies, I knew you'd do good but THIS!!

[@PuissantAlgernon]

Your voice goes with theirs so well! It's always a bit nerve-wracking when a favourite band brings in a guest singer for a beloved song, but this was absolutely gorgeous. Thank you!

[@thelongestjohns]

Right back at you! Thank you so much for singing this with us. We knew it would be special as soon as you suggested it :)

[@boogtheboogtastic4465]

song good yes

[@ryanhancock8978]

Could listen to this for days on end! It's that good! Hope after this lock down you could release this on record! Also please visit Stoke On Trent would love to see you live

[@joeboyd7796]

I absolutely love your voice

[@fredrickcuriosity6368]

At 10:20 am. On 12/06/2021, my grandfather, Louis bloom, passed away. When I found out, I was practically numb to it. But my dad invited me over to talk about him. We shared a drink or 2, and he toasted saying “here’s to us, and those like us.” I replied with the response “damn few of em left.” And we both just broke down crying. Once we composed ourselves, I put on this exact video and we just sat in silence, listening to it. During the last chorus, we both raised our glasses silently to Louis bloom, our fallen comrade. He put up one hell of a fight, and he went down swinging. God rest his soul.

[@burninsherman1037]

Know its two years on, but may your grandad rest easy, man.

[@aaronropers-huilman660]

Here's to you all. Cheers.

[@sabbath3912]

That's beautiful men, cheers to u guys. RIP.

[@Hiky01Prime]

I'm so sorry, mate. I'm so sorry. May your grandpa's soul be cared up there in the "upper floor". He's in a better place now. His fight is won and he left a great legacy: you. Continue to honor him while you live. And live the best life, a humble life, as a simple man! Cheers, mate 🍻

[@QuiteSpiffing]

The timing is perfect. My little brother who's in heaven would've been 25 today. Tonight I shall drink to him!

[@thelongestjohns]

Many blessings to you!

[@therealcbumstead]

Glasses up to your brother, he's in a good place.

[@evanduffy2116]

I never knew him and I’ll probably never meet you. But out of respect for your love of a brother, I raise my tankard with you

[@Beithir_Wicker]

my the gods look over him ever more!

[@mikeheathman5141]

I'm sorry for your loss. U aren't alone, my little brother would be 29 today, it hurts a little less each year but he will never be forgotten. Cheers to those lost; and to those that keep us going.

[@ale661]

"In a world without gold, we might have been heroes!" I still hear their voices even as their faces fade from my memory

[@gerardamoia6997]

I JUST passed that mission again recently...and it KILLED me all over again.

[@gavinrock6]

I don't think Ubisoft will ever match the writing that Black Flag had. It might not be that great in the main timeline, but damn it, the actual game itself had a wonderful story with such a bittersweet ending.

[@carlosmedina1281]

@@gavinrock6 Especially since you know that Haytham will become a Templar with Connor being forced to kill him.

[@danielmonroe6839]

Well now I’m fuckin crying thanks man

[@juniperdreamscape]

i love this

[@muse6815]

Most of my shanty knowledge comes from you all and Black Flag. Adding in Natalie just makes this the best of crossovers.

[@chrisgorman3997]

Natalie is good but i miss Anna....😢

[@randyacker753]

Lol same

[@thelongestjohns]

Thanks so much mate, really glad to have you here! And she's pretty amazing right?

[@redigtuffing4624]

Yup, pretty much. This classy way of singing really should get more exposure.

[@maxhendrix6846]

@@chrisgorman3997 what happened to Anna?

[@nohbodykilledmex]

When my friend died of an overdose 6 long years ago, I had the privilege to sing this song at his funeral. Heres to you Brian.

[@colonelmomo666]

00:06 Annnd that's everyone crying already, good job

[@FondlesHandles]

i'm not crying, you're crying! who's cutting onions here?

[@Blixton-bw3rj]

I got so excited just listening to that first line!

[@thelongestjohns]

Many blessings :)

[@andersenader4749]

High Priest of Keebler the onion ninjas are back at it again

[@thelorp5186]

@@FondlesHandles let's be honest, we're all crying

[@eliquate]

I had my first kid 3 months ago today. I sing this song to him every night before bed. To me it’s a song about being a respected and respectful person. Leaving this earth knowing you never did anyone wrong, and were a true gentleman.

[@trikepilot101]

My heart skipped a beat when the lads all joined in at the same moment. Powerful.

[@thelongestjohns]

Thanks so much Chris!

[@MysticMae21]

Same!

[@haydenmitchell7519]

I discovered this song thanks to Black Flag and I always imagine Natalie as Anne Bonny starting the song, and the Johns are all the ghosts of Kenway’s past, Bonnet, Thatch, Rackham, Mary, serenading him into his new life

[@Hiky01Prime]

Here's to my late mommy. My best friend, the amazon warrior that cared for me and worried about me since my birth to her passing. The very best woman I've ever met, the person I loved most and will continue to love until my last breath and even beyond. And to all of us here that had someone special that already left this world and went back to the "upper floor". Cheers to us all, to our loved ones who were called back home. May God or anyone up there be caring for the souls of our loved ones. Now...let us listen to this one more time, to remember them fondly and to keep honoring them while our time doesn't come. 🍻🥂🖤❤

[@martinpaul9515]

"In a world without gold we might've been heroes" -A goddamn hero

[@thelongestjohns]

Hooray

[@Callsign_Axel]

Lyrics: Of all the money that e'er I had, 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 memory now I can't recall So fill to me the parting glass. Goodnight and joy be with you all Of all the comrades that e'er I had, they're sorry for my going away And all the sweethearts that e'er I had They would 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 I'll softly call, "Goodnight and joy be with you all!" A man may drink and not be drunk, a man may fight and not be slain A man may court a pretty girl and perhaps be welcomed back again But since it has so ordered been by a time to rise and a time to fall Come fill to me the parting glass, good night and joy be with you all

[@thelongestjohns]

Beautiful

[@Cyrribrae]

So I've only heard this as that "hidden" track on Ed Sheeran's first album. Is this a traditional song or no? (Cuz it's always been one of my favorite songs from there)

[@epicsakura101]

@@Cyrribrae It is indeed. It's a traditional Irish song and has been sung by many, many people over the centuries.

[@puppetsock]

I feel like I've just been to church. A church with a really great choir.

[@brunsy1990]

@@Cyrribrae The High Kings have a version that's a touch less complete lyrically, but brings in pipes and drums toward the end. Tullamore D.E.W. ran an ad with the song that's a quite well done video. If you want a rabbit hole to chase for Irish Folk check out Liam Clancy.

[@jeffbrehove2614]

My grandfather is Scottish. I played this for him right before he passed. Thank you.

[@avinoam0land]

5 minutes ago I was feeling absolutely awful. I was 4 pounds of anxiety in a 2 pound bag. I opened youtube to find something funny to maybe feel better for a bit. I listened to this and just burst into tears. Everything I was feeling burst out of me, and I feel so much better. I can't begin to tell you how much I needed this. Adequate :')

[@NatalieHolmes]

this!! music is powerful. so much love

[@avinoam0land]

I was so happy to see you collab with the Johns again, and I'm so glad it was this song.

[@thelongestjohns]

Many many blessings to you, and thanks for commenting! Really means so much to hear how much of an impact it can have.

[@Big_Mike001]

I've heard a dozen different covers of this song over the years, and this is the one that brings me to tears, every single time.

[@NatalieHolmes]

i can't wait for covid to be over so I can sing with you all again!!

[@robertthegreek]

Now's the time! Let's go!

[@thorfinn_jorstinnsonr]

"In a world without Gold, we might've been heros..." -Edward Thatch

[@user-qo4xz8ix9n]

Edward with his daughter sailing off nearly brought me to tears, best ending ever.

[@Aethrin]

What I love about the song is that it's made for, and best sung by, the common man. When the heavily "professional" music industry try to cover it, it always feels fake, and the more they try to flourish it, the less beautiful it feels. Yet when some humble good singers sing it without out the razzle, it strikes true and moves our spirit. I've heard a lot of covers online, but TLJ and Co, are one of the few I've heard do it justice.

[@steray8112]

Amazingly deep and revelatory. Wish we were mates, comrade. Maybe in the next life. Maybe?

[@Aethrin]

@steray8112 cheers, mate. I'll raise a glass to you.

[@davidf7481]

Over the past 50 odd years, I have heard countless versions and recordings of this song, some of which have been good, some outstanding but the exquisite and delicate beauty of this rendition is way out ahead of all others. All the more remarkable for the context in which it was recorded/assembled. There was magic in the air when you recorded this and I cannot begin to thank you enough for bringing this to fruition.

[@tomestonehouse]

This song almost brings me to tears every time I hear it. Partially cause I loved AC 4. But even more so, this was the last song we played in my High School Band at my final concert Senior year. In that band I was lead percussionist, but I also play the bagpipes. My director would occasionally find pieces that featured bagpipes so I could show off my true talent. This was the last song I played with that band. The last time I got to play with my closest friends. It was the perfect good-bye to that school, and my band mates. It was.... such an amazing day, and incredible performance. I could probably write paragraphs and paragraphs about how amazing it was. But I shant. Instead, I'll enjoy the music and cherish those memories.

[@steray8112]

I would listen.

[@theears995]

Ever since I first heard this song in Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag’s ending, I’ve cried every time I’ve heard this song. Damn ninjas cutting onions 😭

[@Denley1526]

Can't wait to hear you sing this with Natalie. It will be superbly adequate I'm sure.

[@thelongestjohns]

You know it! :)

[@Denley1526]

@@thelongestjohns- and it was beautiful. :)

[@thekillergopher8755]

Such a good moment in AC Black Flag and such a good cover.

[@thelongestjohns]

Hooray!

[@HistorytheShortStory]

"The Parting Glass" is a traditional Scottish and Irish folk song with roots stretching back to at least the 17th century, making its exact origins difficult to pinpoint. It speaks of friendship, farewells, and remembering those who have gone before. The song gained renewed popularity in the mid-20th century through performances and recordings by groups like The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, and remains a cherished part of traditional music sessions. Its timeless melody, simple yet poignant lyrics, and enduring theme of camaraderie continue to make it a beloved classic, often sung at gatherings and celebrations.

[@hound762]

We just buried my Papaw today, he was a great man and rich in family and memory, thank y’all for being able to put such an emotion into this song to help me through today. These words really aren’t enough to express my gratitude but at least it’s something

[@Rocketcustompaints]

How are you guys not crying? ... AC Black Flag introduced me to shanties , you all have only made my love for them flourish. Joy be with you all

[@lucasthompson9257]

You guys need to do the Viking sea shanty, "My Mother Told Me" It's a beautiful song in Norse or English

[@pernelladams448]

YES!!!!!

[@CarpeVeracity]

This. It's an amazing tune that would really fit your harmonies

[@nathanm5653]

Honestly not a huge fan of that song, but I have no doubt that my mind would be changed if Longest Johns performed it.

[@uhhdudethatwouldbesalt672]

Any time I feel down, I come here to remind myself that I'm still alive. I'm still breathing. I still have the gift of feeling a sweet melancholy every time I hear this song. I still have the gift of a voice to sing along with you. Thank you, sincerely.

[@thelongestjohns]

Thank you for being here :)

[@SuperBanzaiBill]

Definitely the best rendition of this piece.

[@laterreurrouge1917]

Her voice contributes a fragility to this song's melody I didn't know I needed so bad. Thanks to all involved in this version of the song

[@NatalieHolmes]

ahh thank you that makes me happy

[@GeNeReDeR]

I sing that song to my 8mth old son daily im hype for yoyr version

[@thelongestjohns]

Ha, I do the same but he's only 3 months at this point

[@spiralingout7274]

I'm not going to lie, this made me tear up a little bit. I was totally unprepared of just how beautiful it would be. Definitely some killer harmonies 💜

[@thelongestjohns]

Many many blessings to you!

[@Atremolive]

"A little bit"???!!! this shattered me to my core

[@Wolfblood013]

I love the fact that the ending doesn't repeat and resolve like most renditions I've heard. It puts the song in a whole new light for me.

[@thelongestjohns]

Thanks Spencer, glad you liked it!

[@Skellington_key]

My friend just passed from COVID and man does this song hit the feels.

[@richardnorth2762]

This really ought to form part of a full-length album with Natalie... it's not just 'good', it's world-class, and would stand proud among the greats.

[@vdq]

Lost a family member recently, I raise a parting glass to him. Thank you all for the beautiful singing, I sincerely appreciate it.

[@SurrealScotsman]

I kid you not... I heard this song for the first time tonight (about 10 minutes ago) & the first thing I did was search youtube for "The Parting Glass The Longest Johns"...... I was not disappointed.. Utterly beautiful..... - If this was 5-6 months ago, I'd of been in a stream of tears. Thankfully I'm in a much better place now, but the musicality & tones of this piece is astounding.

[@umaca2]

I may be late for this one, but it certainly hits right in the feels. Especially with the lockdown going on currently I feel incredibly far away from my friends and the folk-scene. Damn. I miss everyone so much

[@thelongestjohns]

Many many blessings mate, looking forward to seeing and singing with you again soon!

[@sensennisya557]

1.30 AM is the best time to hear a song.

[@thelongestjohns]

A fine time for it :)

[@risingsungamer214]

This song made me think of my grandfather. And most of my passed family. They meant a lot to me. Thank you

[@lauragarnham77]

I rarely stop to just listen to music, but I did for this.

[@ArticulateDegenerate]

The moment the harmonies began... my salt is running down, that's for sure.

[@KarstenDB]

I cry every time at the end of Black Flag

[@melodyide2248]

So beautiful. My favourite version of this song I think.

[@thelongestjohns]

That's wonderful to hear, thanks Mel

[@davidyoungquist6074]

Beautiful. When my daughter gets home from the Navy, we'll lift a drink to my mom who passed not long ago, and play this. And weep.

[@asmaran9262]

I just want to say thank you to you wonderful people. I lost my dog today, and I like to think that singing this to him as he went made things just a little easier for us both. So thank you again.

[@anxiouspotato04]

me 5 seconds in: alright. thats it. all the chills. i shall now die with a happy melted heart edit: ive been replied to by them. i shall happily die a SECOND time

[@thelongestjohns]

Many blessings to you :)

[@muse6815]

Goodnight and joy be with you.

[@sean137]

You lads need to do the wild rover Also this isn’t just “the assassins creed song”, this is a popular traditional Irish/Scottish parting song, sung when a party is ending, or at a funeral.

[@lukehandscomb3133]

Wild rover is an odd one. It's one of those songs that's so "overplayed" that you practically never actually hear it 😂

[@kollinlorenzo3287]

no ones claiming that its just an AC song most just reference it because of it being played there the same goes for Walking dead.

[@braydenvernon9649]

The last year has been the biggest struggle of my life between my fiance leaving me and some other things I can't mention, but you guys have helped me in so many ways I can't express my gratitude to you all. Bless you all. I don't know where I'd be in my life without this song but I can't imagine it being any better. Godspeed ladies and gentlemen.

[@MoiraRussell]

Beautiful, subtle and it broke my heart.

[@Ficus117]

Its a terrible day for rain... I lost one of my best friends 4 years ago yesterday (January 10 2017). This song always makes me remember him fondly. Thank you for a beautiful rendition. Absolutely superb.

[@justjoe5373]

It's been over 7 years since I first heard this song and it still summons the onion ninjas

[@Amaryllispersonal]

As to be expected, beautiful harmonies and sonorous melodies! Gorgeous sounds from all of you! Bless y'all for making the world sound just that much better!

[@thelongestjohns]

It's our pleasure, thank you :)

[@marionberg5897]

I'll drink to my broken dreams tonight. This song will always drive me to tears, even if I wasn't crying already. It haunts me in the most beautiful way possible.

[@uwepalmerodorado9112]

My wife and I love this song so much. We often play this song at the evening on KZbin and sing with you. That is so wonderful and lovely. I wish we could buy a CD with this song. We still wait till you come to germany. We are gratis fans and live near Heidelberg.

[@smudolinithegreatdragobear2433]

So sad... And so beautifull.... Made my allergys act up... Eyes would not stop watering....

[@kelticladi]

We used to sing this at closing gate of the Bristol Renaissance Faire....so many wonderful memories, sweet and sad wrapped up in this song for me! Well Done.

[@glipwhip4940]

Holy crap JD, where did that note at 03:16 come from? Rattling my bones like a living subwoofer! Adequate!

[@thelongestjohns]

That's always a goal when we do songs ;)

[@memyselfandi432]

Look up David Larson on YT. He has a tutorial series on sub-harmonic singing. Well worth a watch.

[@thomasfa18]

This is easily the best version of this song I've ever heard.

[@AshenRusty]

I'm not crying, you're crying!

[@WingsOfASong]

This song is sung at the end of a gathering or at funerals and you all just envoke the real beauty of it with this rendition. Thank you so much for this cover.

[@Doughy_in_the_Middle]

I have no idea how I missed this song when it came out. It's honestly one of my favorites to sing.

[@PatrickStirlingFlynn]

Check yes for heck yes

[@thelongestjohns]

Yes!

[@jagataiapex1372]

I've found nothing here in the States, that is lovely enough to make me shed a tear like this.

[@tintinaus]

The was an acapella group I used to be a fan of called The Phones and this was the song they closed their concerts with.

[@Mega12312312312345]

thank you all for this.

[@claireb2700]

It's wonderful how a voice changes your whole dimension. Anna has salt, Katie has heart and Natalie has the siren song to lure away sailors. Truly, that could have been church!

[@sageofnan]

Just finished a story on royal road called Melody of Mana that ended with this song and I cried. So many feels If you want a story that will stick with you in your dreams you won't find a better one.

[@NiallMor]

Absolutely gorgeous. I've loved Irish music for years, and this song is a standard of the repertoire. All of you absolutely blow the doors off of this one. Well done, lady and gentlemen.

[@DaC10101]

It’s part of the Irish repertoire for various quite interesting reasons, but it’s Scottish

[@matthewlister3755]

This rivals the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem version, which has long been my favorite. Stunning rendition that brought a solid tear to my eye. RIP Tommy Makem, whose final resting place is just down the street from where I live.

[@aldrin5382]

I'd love this to be Sung on the day of my funeral. ❤️

[@onebigadvocado6376]

This was the song that started me on Shanties! Jess Guise played it on Frank Turner's live stream, then I found The High Kings version, which then led to The Wellerman!

[@danielmonroe6839]

Natalie adds so much to this 20/10

[@NatalieHolmes]

aw Daniel you are so kind, was such a beautiful moment when I heard how they'd transformed my lonely part!

[@voodookitchenmama]

The voice of an angel. Sweet, sweet..

[@NatalieHolmes]

😇

[@assortedlost]

This is hauntingly beautiful.

[@thelongestjohns]

Good description!

[@pnzrldr]

Thanks. Truly touching.

[@thelongestjohns]

Many thanks Scott!

[@pnzrldr]

@@thelongestjohns Your welcome. Had you guys thought to do a run at 'Hard times, come again no more?" Can't get more historical folk classic than a Stephen Foster song. Lots of covers on it based around our current predicament. Most touching I found is below. Mary Black's voice is incredible. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aorVl3-kodekq9E

[@tiyetiye379]

This is absolutely lovely. Thank you all.

[@user-wu3hb3ck6u]

in my opinion; it is the most beautiful song to pay homage to a loved one, a friend, a brother in arms, a comrade. for you my Mama, my Papa, my beloved older Sister; gone because of the 1986 disaster. Magnificent interpretation, like a rifle bullet, touches you right in the heart.

[@dbdsaltminer]

This song is truly the theme of 2020

[@le2891]

Wow Natalie is the PERFECT Voice to Sing With You. Y’all found me when I wasn’t lookin. You make me sing & dance, laugh and cry. No group has moved me more. ThankQ

[@NatalieHolmes]

aw I want to sing with them on many many more occasions! :)

[@fandyus4125]

What a beautiful, bittersweet tune.

[@josh___something]

Natalie Holmes, LJ, Parting Glass? The perfect triad! Holy moly.

[@thelongestjohns]

A real pleasure to get to sing with her again

[@thatbadger8445]

When ever I listen to this song, I can see an individual at some point in time walking away from a grave of a love one. The thought of all the love that the person gotten to be dead and forgotten. Its sad to know that in the end we are all small, but that love we will be buried with is eternal. So maybe life isn't that small. Who knows

[@thelongestjohns]

Very thought provoking. It really is a wonderful song

[@fski7147]

I’m actually quite struggling to not play this again for the12th time today... One of the most hauntingly beautiful songs I’ve ever heard

[@FolkingBasti]

Don't know what to say. I got a goose bumps. It was really fantastic. Have a great time and stay healthy

[@cattalematt]

Holy smokes. Natalie's voice is breathtaking.

[@NatalieHolmes]

holy smokes that made me smile, what a great word.thank you

[@thelegendaryone100]

holy crap this is the best version of parting glass ive ever heard

[@Mr_T_Badger]

Give the Choral Scholars Of University College Dublin’s cover a ring too. That one, like this, will have you in tears.

[@meganary876]

This is one of my absolute favorite folk songs. Can't wait to hear it (even if I'm only waiting 8 minutes).

[@thelongestjohns]

Hooray! Hope it was worth the wait

[@branedeadzero]

OMG IT'S NATALIE HOLMES!!!!! This makes my heart full. Such a beautiful BEAUTIFUL song. Well done lads and Natalie. Stay safe. Stay adequate.

[@thelongestjohns]

The one and only! Many thanks mate, more cutlery for Natalie!

[@mariacrane4511]

Absolutely superb. Natalie was a really beautiful addition, and I loved that this was acapella. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@NatalieHolmes]

Mariaaa much love to you! xx

[@blackcountrydiecast4708]

now then, now then, now then, i have always loved this song, i have also loved the longest johns!!! I did not know this was a thing"!!!! my life is compete, kill me now!!!

[@alloydia2183]

Just finished Black Flag yesterday. Thank you for this. Brb crying :')

[@thelongestjohns]

Fantastic! Look out for new episodes of our sing/play through every thursday!

[@obiwanshinobi9368]

Their songs can end war

[@c4sualcycl0ps48]

AC4 was the first game I got to the end of and thought, “this game is a masterpiece I’ll never forget!” Maybe part of that was due to “Parting Glass” You all did a fantastic job singing this song and coming as close to the version from Black Flag as possible while still making it your own version! Bravo!!

[@thelongestjohns]

Many thanks Christopher

[@dimerization]

Back here months later listening to this for the billionth time and it remains so beautiful that it hurts my heart every time

[@th3officebeefalos456]

I have heard and sung many versions of this song but this one definitely is the one full of the most sorrow I have heard.

[@thelongestjohns]

It really is an amazing song

[@connorjohnson8776]

Officially becoming my favorite song

[@emuejevokemrakpor9139]

All I can say is, "WOW! WOW!! WOW!!!"