Just as with The Parting Glass, I first heard and transcribed "Rosin the Bow" on the same The Clancy Brothers record in the early sixties. As you can see from my title I was totally ignorant and noted "Bow" instead of "Beau". Believe it or not I've only just (May 1998) become aware of my mistake some 35 years after first hearing it when writing this anecdote. But that's folk singing folks! In the interests of historical accuracy and the inherent anarchy in folk music I shall stick to "my" title. If you think that's bad then see what I did to Barrat's Privateers!
We sang "Rosin the Bow" quite a lot in the Idle Fellows and still sing it myself. It's of an old Irishman about to kick the bucket and making the proper Irish arrangements for his demise and eternal rest. That means ensuring that there is enough whiskey for all eventualities.
The song may be found in 100 Irish Ballads Volume 2.

Lyrics