I grew up listening to the Clancy Brothers singing “The Parting Glass”, and was surprised to hear it sung to the tune of “Mo Ghile Mear” in “Waking Ned Devine.” Is the tune of “Mo Ghile Mear” a traditional alternate melody for “The Parting Glass”? If it’s not traditional, has anyone heard why the movie’s makers decided to use it?
Probably because they found the words in a book and, not knowing the tune, fitted them to whatever tune seemed to work!
I have some doubts about your theory Roger,
Kirk Jones was very dedicated to this film and to its authenticity. He demanded accuracy in every detail, even turning down the 30 million extra dollars he would have made if he shot the film in the states. I doubt they’d just sort of make it up when it came to the music. Like many other Irish songs, I think that this other tune is just a variation, depending on what area you’re in.
Seth