The lyrics to “Danny Boy” were written by the English lawyer and lyricist Frederic Weatherly in 1910. Although the lyrics were originally written for a different tune, Weatherly modified them to fit “Londonderry Air” in 1913 when his sister-in-law in America sent him a copy.[1] Ernestine Schumann-Heink made the first recording in 1915. Weatherly gave the song to the vocalist Elsie Griffin, who in turn made it one of the most popular songs in the new century. In 1928, Weatherly suggested that the second verse would provide a fitting requiem for the actress Ellen Terry.
There are several theories as to the true meaning of “Danny Boy”.[2] The song has been interpreted by some listeners as a message from a parent to a son going off to war or leaving as part of theIrish diaspora. The 1918 version of the Sheet Music included alternative lyrics (“Eily Dear”), with the instructions that “when sung by a man the words in italic should be used, the song then becomes “Eily Dear”, so that “Danny Boy” is only to be sung by a lady”. However, it is unclear whether this was Weatherly’s intent, or simply a publisher’s note. Weatherly acknowledged that “Danny Boy” was sung “all over the world by Sinn Feiners and Ulstermen alike”. Weatherly also noted that the song had “nothing of the rebel song in it, and no note of bloodshed”.
The song is widely considered an Irish anthem, although Weatherly was an Englishman. Nonetheless, “Danny Boy” is considered by many Irish Americans and Irish Canadians to be their unofficial signature song [3]
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Boy
also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Londonderry_Air
oh, and ofcourse:
Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side
The summer’s gone, and all the roses are falling
‘Tis you, ’tis you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer’s in the meadow
Or when the valley’s hushed and white with snow
‘Tis I’ll be there in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.
And when ye come, and all the flow’rs are dying
If I am dead, as dead I well may be
Ye’ll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an “Ave” there for me.
And I shall hear, tho’ soft you tread above me
And oh, my grave shall warmer, sweeter be
For ye will bend and tell me that you love me
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me.
I had no idea…
The lyrics to “Danny Boy” were written by the English lawyer and lyricist Frederic Weatherly in 1910. Although the lyrics were originally written for a different tune, Weatherly modified them to fit “Londonderry Air” in 1913 when his sister-in-law in America sent him a copy.[1] Ernestine Schumann-Heink made the first recording in 1915. Weatherly gave the song to the vocalist Elsie Griffin, who in turn made it one of the most popular songs in the new century. In 1928, Weatherly suggested that the second verse would provide a fitting requiem for the actress Ellen Terry.
There are several theories as to the true meaning of “Danny Boy”.[2] The song has been interpreted by some listeners as a message from a parent to a son going off to war or leaving as part of theIrish diaspora. The 1918 version of the Sheet Music included alternative lyrics (“Eily Dear”), with the instructions that “when sung by a man the words in italic should be used, the song then becomes “Eily Dear”, so that “Danny Boy” is only to be sung by a lady”. However, it is unclear whether this was Weatherly’s intent, or simply a publisher’s note. Weatherly acknowledged that “Danny Boy” was sung “all over the world by Sinn Feiners and Ulstermen alike”. Weatherly also noted that the song had “nothing of the rebel song in it, and no note of bloodshed”.
The song is widely considered an Irish anthem, although Weatherly was an Englishman. Nonetheless, “Danny Boy” is considered by many Irish Americans and Irish Canadians to be their unofficial signature song [3]
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Boy
also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Londonderry_Air
oh, and ofcourse:
Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side
The summer’s gone, and all the roses are falling
‘Tis you, ’tis you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer’s in the meadow
Or when the valley’s hushed and white with snow
‘Tis I’ll be there in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.
And when ye come, and all the flow’rs are dying
If I am dead, as dead I well may be
Ye’ll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an “Ave” there for me.
And I shall hear, tho’ soft you tread above me
And oh, my grave shall warmer, sweeter be
For ye will bend and tell me that you love me
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me.