The best of friends must part

It's grand to see old friends again as we come rambling through
and talk about the times we've had and raise a glass or two
For when we are together off on memories we recall
and long will I remember your kindness to us all

Farewell to you, I bid adieu, I can no longer stay
For the night has gone and now's the hour to go our separate ways
It's time to pass the parting glass and toast to company
Good luck and joy be with you all, wherever you may be

Long have we been comrades and true friends since first we've met
and never has an angry word passed between us yet.
Many's the night we've laughed and sung until the break of day
and fondly will I think on you when I am far away.

Farewell to you, I bid adieu, I can no longer stay
For the night has gone and now's the hour to go our separate ways
It's time to pass the parting glass and toast to company
Good luck and joy be with you all, wherever you may be

It's sad I am for leaving but the best of friends must part
I'm going to a foreign shore although it grieves my heart
We'll put our trust in providence that soon we'll meet again
I wish you health and happiness, good fortune, until then

Farewell to you, I bid adieu, I can no longer stay
For the night has gone and now's the hour to go our separate ways
It's time to pass the parting glass and toast to company
Good luck and joy be with you all, wherever you may be

And when I'm on some foreign shore far across the sea
I'll keep you close beside me, you'll be in my memory
And when the stormy winds do blow and hard times win the day
Our laughter and our friendship sure will clear the clouds away.

Farewell to you, I bid adieu, I can no longer stay
For the night has gone and now's the hour to go our separate ways
It's time to pass the parting glass and toast to company
Good luck and joy be with you all, wherever you may be

Farewell to you, I bid adieu, I can no longer stay
For the night has gone and now's the hour to go our separate ways
It's time to pass the parting glass and toast to company
Good luck and joy be with you all, wherever you may be