I am a recent retired History teacher-- Taught 1956 thru 2020... Retired at the age of 86. Being a child of the Great Depression and World War 2, memories of Danny Boy come to light. Glen Miller played it throughout the war as it became a popular song especially to the Army Air Corp. Tears and memories flood my heart as I think of this and remember our boys, the Greatest Generation, who fought and gave of themselves during the war so that we may have freedom and democray.
I’m afraid that we have lost the love of our country. America has left the world we grew up in. Woke politics have buried the country and the world. We await the return of our Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you.
I think of the ones I knew who lost their lives for no good reason. I'm one of the few who's still alive to tell the tale. In most wars you die for the glory of somebody who's thousands of miles away from danger.
I am Italian American and went to Catholic school with mostly Irish. So it became VERY popular to sing Irish songs on ST PATRICKS DAY in class from First grade to 12th grade. Maybe if all schools played this song today there would be less hatred and violence since all of us will die one day and we could then REFLECT on being kinder and charitable to our fellow humankind since we all face the same fate
Yes I grew up with Danny boy, I'm 68 years old and have known this song all my life, My dear mother named me after this song because it was her very very favorite song she held close to her heart. Whenever I hear it or play it on my guitar, my heart is always touched, sometimes a tear will form in my eyes knowing the loving story my mom always told me about why she named me after it. She has now passed away but her voice gently lingers like a whisper in the wind.
Nelson Eddy Sang It As Well & I Was Called DANNY Growing Up . The Best Rendition Of It Was In A Local Pub & My Father Got Up & Sang It To Me Karaoke Style.
My dad was a flight engineer and top turret gunner on B-17s. He requested this song for his funeral. I didn't even know he liked this song so I think it must've had some special meaning for them.
My grandmother, who had a wonderful singing voice & was of part Irish descent, used to sing that song to me as a young child. She had quite a vocal range. Unfortunately, she died suddenly of a heart attack when she was only 66 years old. While I was visiting her on that day instead of going to a cousin's birthday party, she was just finishing up writing her life's history. Several hours later after returning home, we received a call that she was gone. It was such a terrible shock to me, and I will never forget her or the wonderful memories. Please cherish your grandparents because they can make a real difference in your life! She loved the Lord, her family and fellow man. May she R.I.P.
Sinead O'Connor's singing of Danny Boy on the Late Late Show on Irish television is the best rendition of this song I've ever heard. Pulls at the heart strings. Beautiful. R.I.P Sinead.❤from Ireland 🇮🇪.
My father had a beautiful voice and as a child I would often hear him singing Danny Boy. First, it was the tune that caught my heart and once I could understand, the words made an impact and more than six decades later, its still one of my favourites.
I’m Northern Irish and I thank you for putting this history together. As a child, I knew it as Londonderry Air. I still love it as Danny Boy. It always makes me think of the First World War and the loss of loved ones. It still makes me cry today. My ancestors are Scottish and my Dad was born in Canada. As a tiny baby, he came home without a passport. Later years, neither the British or Irish would give him a full passport. He wrote to the Canadian Authorities who found his record of birth and issued him with a temporary passport. A time after my mother died my father journeyed to Canada, with a clean unstamped passport and while the ‘Troubles’ still raged. He got an awful lot of attention on arrival in Canada. Boy did we chuckle. My dad was a man with a brilliant sense of humour, a Poet and a great story teller too.
As a Virginia Appalachian (like Johnny Cash) with roots of Irish/Scot, this song has been very dear to me. It is so lovely how this song transcends so many generations. Thank you for sharing the history of this beautiful song.
My great uncle, fought in Europe in WWII. He was amazing on the harmonica❤ Loved hearing him! But our local community leaders had him come play Danny Boy at many large events! ❤ Anytime I hear or think of "Danny Boy" I remember my brother we lost in the Navy in my early teens, & my awesome uncle ❤🇺🇸❤️ Fortunately my great uncle lived not far away & we got to spend a good deal of time with him! We all adored him! He would always play his harmonica for us, & let us shoot his tiny canon he got in the war!
Timeless, ageless, and borderless. A global classic tune that resonates and transcends all races and cultures. If there's a time machine, 'Danny Boy's' tune will keep ringing and will forever be sung, from cradle to grave, in all generations.
In a letter dated August 1928, Fred Weatherly wrote to a friend: " Danny Boy (my words written to the Londonderry Air) is published by Boosey & Co 295 Regent St. in Keys to suit different voices. I am glad you like the words- It was a piece of sheer good luck that gave me the inspiration necessary. The most beautiful music may sometimes fail to do this. "
I’m now 73, my mother is Scottish and my father English, and I was named after that Irish tune. No doubt countless others were as well. My son’s middle name is Daniel so the legacy goes on. Cheers.
Recently have listened to it sung inItalian by Andrea Bocelli. He also sings part of it in English as well. The message and emotion come across very wel in this language and probably others too. The arrangement also tugs at the emotions while the lyrics speak of pipes calling from glen to glen this version uses the drums in place of the pipes, like military band it is clearly a call to war. This aspect of the arrangement gives me goose bumps and makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Also as Andrea Bocelli is an Italian tenor he sings with more vibrato in his voice than most thus conveying the emotion behind it with gusto. Johanna Maine USA
There is something very deeply moving; spiritual, about the melody and lyrics that touches our souls. And if you are not crying before it ends, hitting those last two high notes will certainly open the flood gates..!!
My mother's grandmother who came over from England in the 1880's used to sing this to my mother and it always made her cry. My great grandmother died in 1935.
I am 77 years old, my mother sang this to me when I was very young. It made me cry then as it does now; wonderful memories that a hitch in Viet Nam as a United States Marine still brings tears. This song MUST be sung by a woman or group of women.
You’re so right about Jim Reeves. I think that his recording of Danny Boy may have had to do with the fact that he sang it in concert in Ireland. Danny Boy is my favorite song and Jim Reeves is my all time favorite singer. He has been since I was 2 years old. I was raised on his version of Danny Boy.
I was told many years ago, Danny Boy was war song, father saying goodbye to his son! Wow, everyone has their own version. By the way, I’m not Irish, so whatever that makes me,l love the song and depends on how it’s sung, I do cry.
I've thought, and still think 'Danny Boy' to be one of the most beautiful heart-felt and sad songs ever written since I first heard it at about 10 years of age.
My grandfather used to sing in pubs in London,after ww1, Danny boy was always his last song. I was always told it was a ww1 song for British and Irish troops,and was a song of unity I didn't know it was written by an Englishman. Its a beautiful song,my Dad sung to my little brother, Danny. We all called him Danny boy,and still do. He's 51. ❤️
I worked at Darcy O'sheos Pub in Nth Qld,,his son was called Danny Boy, very good people to work for, had the Duke Box in the lounge, and Danny Boy was one of the people's favorite, so Thanks for the information, looks like you have given us a lot of fond memories, Cheers...
Thank you for giving this beautiful song the reverence it deserves. The song is so stirring both musically and lyrically. I never knew about the opera connection. Very interesting. Thank you for another wonderful presentation. 🎶
My grandparents came from counties Roscommon and Galway. My name is Daniel and I have wonderful memories of my grandmother singing this song to me and her listening to it on the radio in the bedroom next door. The recessional song for her funeral was this song.
Lyrics plus music make Danny Boy ultimate musical perfection. The imagery of the words, the emotion of the singer (I always consider it is a mother bidding her son goodbye as he goes off to way) are just overwhelming, and I can actually see her hugging and waving her arms with tears in her eyes. When the late Bill Evans played it on the piano, all these qualities were in plain view and music just doesn't get anyu better than this, Danny Boy......
My father introduced me to the song. It was in China in the 1980s. He bought a cassette called “great light music” (or something similar). One of the tracks was “Londonderry Air.” China just opened up to the world at the time, and I had no idea that Londonderry was an entirely different place from London. I don’t think my father knew either. When the music started, my father said “ this one is called Londonderry air. It’s beautiful.” Many years later, I heard the song again under the title Danny Boy, by the King’s Singers. I thought: this is Londonderry Air. After some digging, I found out about the history of the song. I fell in love with it all over again, like reuniting with an old friend. My father passed away from cancer last year. I don’t know if he remembered the cassette. Never thought of asking him. Now I often sing Danny Boy to my daughter when I tuck her in bed. She was only a year and half when her grandpa passed. She still remembers him, albeit vaguely. I told her that mama first heard the song from grandpa. Thus it became a little family legacy. Art lives on. So does love. Now every time I sing this song to my daughter, I know that my father is still here with us, in sunshine or in shadow.
Thats an incredible story. My grandmother sang Danny Boy to me when many times it was my favourite song for her to sing, shedied when i was 14 I mourned her terribly but my first son was named Danny he really was a Bonny boy. I dearly love the song to this day. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful video about something so important.
I was the first grandson, and my nana loved the song and wanted to call her first grandson Danny. It means so much to me, and it's great to hear about the history , thank you. In 03/02/23, I am 51yrs of age.
Thanks for this interesting history. I'm 75, and this song became important to our family when my nephew Danny died unexpectedly at the age of 5 from brain cancer in 1967. We cherish the song as a sweet reminder of a dear little boy.
I grew up listening to my father sing this song for his mother in law every Christmas and as I am now in my sixties appreciate the song more and I must say it always gave me chills.
Well done. I love the song and have sung it for a long time. We've sung it in the NC DAR state conference choir and I have sung it at funerals and just sung it by myself. Next request, Greensleeves.
I must have heard Danny Boy sang 1000 times and I am not very old. I don't know who really wrote it but NOBODY can sing it better than Jackie Evancho. She performs it in her classical voice and there is simply no comparison. Period!!!!! 🇮🇪🍀💚 She was just a teenager from Philadelphia when she recorded it. 🇺🇸❤🎵
Danny Boy was my mother's favourite song. Now I know why, She grew up in Londonderry. I have a new pup and I have named him Dannyboy so this is very interesting to me.
I first heard Danny Boy by Patti LaBelle and the Bluebells, then Jackie Wilson, now I'm listening to everyone's versions, my favorite- Patti LaBelle (stays in your head,/so touching) Jackie Wilson (most dynamic and dramatic version) and Eva Cassidy ( angelic/ most heart wrenching so beautiful, especially after you hear her story). That being said, I don't think anyone can miss with Danny Boy just get the words right
This song is an emotional experience. Another song that has an indeterminant message is House Of The Rising Sun. Both pieces of music tell sad stories with vague beginnings, foggy proceedings, and uncertain destinations. Anyway, they seem that way to me. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
One more highlight I think deserves mention. the song was again repurposed and re arranged to be the theme song to Danny Thomas's TV show. The song was given a 40s-50s big band vibe that makes it very listenable.
I love this song because it reminds me of the son of a friend of mine that I was very fond of. Danny is in his fifties now, and we have remained friends through the years. We live in opposite corners of the country from each other today, but when I hear this song, it seems to bring us back together for a few minutes.
Nice! Thank you for this! I will be playing Danny Boy several times this week and more during the rest of the month with my band, Tom Keefer and Celtic Cross. Five gigs in the next 4 days! And I'll be pushing our new CD, which does not include Danny Boy, lol.
My sister’s boyfriend died at 27 in a freak accident. He loved Danny Boy and always asked for it when we were at an Irish pub. Every time I hear it, I think of him. BTW, we call it the DERRY air.
How can you not mention one of the Celtic Woman versions? My Mother loved it when our local 'singing bartender' would perform it. When tired or depressed with too much to drink, it will get me on a crying jag. It's something to see a grown man cry, turning our armor to rust.
Wow thanks for that in depth historical explanation of the song. Having Scottish and Irish family history I am always fascinated with any historical references from that area. My father was a WWII veteran and requested bag pipes with AmazingGrace at his funeral. He had a twin brother named Daniel that died several decades before him but we always used to talk about the song because of the name.
My Northern Irish grandad, who had a marvelous voice, would occasionally sing this amazing song and weep. As a young child , astonished, mesmerized by the sight of an emotional adult, and moved by the tune and words, I will always love this song. And I thought it was about Irish people leaving Ireland for the USA?
One of the Songs that move me everytime I hear it.I know it from The Pogues and Johnny Cash.Needless to say,I had some tears in my eyes again after watching your Video.Another interesting History lesson.Thankyou from Germany.
I was born and raised in Eire The story we were told was a musician was walking home one night from the pub he decided to lay down in a small field he fell asleep and was woken by this magical music which he called the Derry Air Londonderry Air called by some. The music got to Germany the words were written by a German father to his son going off to war . I love that music and song 💕💕💕
My mother and Father were Irish my Fathers Father saw service in the First World War in the Irish rifles and the Irish fusiliers. My youngest brother is called Danny affectionately know as Danny boy. That song was a firm favourite in our house and could always bring a tear to my Mum and Dads eye reminding them of Ireland. And the family back home. I think it was about a soldier and the longing to see him again it could of been about a son brother and a sweetheart. Which ever you wanted it to be that’s why it’s so popular it meant different things to different people. Hoping against hope he’d comee back when summer was in the meadow. Beautiful song beautiful words and tune. Sinead O Conner did a beautiful rendition of it on the late show it’s on U Tube .
My grandfather loved to sing in the shower.... this was one of his favourites to sing. He was my world and id sit and wait for him listening to him sing all his favourite songs.... Second favourite i lovex to hear him sing was Cotton Fields❤
My Irish half has always loved this tune, a beautiful, moving melody. I love playing great melodies; so it's a favorite. Recommended: Ben Webster on tenor sax (King of the Tenors CD). No words, just beauty. The story goes that a table of Irishmen at a concert paid him to play the song, weeping as they listened. Check it out.
My Uncle Thomas Norman was a talented singer and won prizes for singing Danny Boy in the 1930's. He was later called up to fight in the second world war with the Royal Leicestershire regiment and was killed at LeHarve in France on the 11th of September 1944 aged 21. He was buried in LeHarve at the St Marie cemetery there in a military grave. No one from the family had ever been to the grave as they were not from a particularly wealthy background. However, as his nephew and as an ex-serviceman myself I undertook a trip to find his grave and lay a wreath in 2013 with my son and wife. On finding his grave we could see some engraving on the bottom hidden behind some flowers on inspection we were astonished to see the words "You'll come and find the place where I am lying, we loved you so Danny Boy" We were stunned no one in the family had ever mentioned the inscription. We can only assume it was his mother's choice of words at the time of the commonwealth war grave erection of his gravestone. If it was she never told anyone. She used to cry whenever she heard it sung in pubs or clubs for her lost son. It has become the choice song at all of the Norman family funerals and hopefully will always be so.
Danny Boy was my father’s favorite song and I often wonder if it had much deeper special meaning for him. He was a bomber pilot flying out of England in WWII and of course he never spoke about his time over there during period in his life. But he did name my youngest brother Daniel, which was not a family name.
Around 1993, I was working on the television show Dr. Quinn; Medicine Woman, and both Johnny and June Cash had running roles on the show. One day, we started to move the lights for a new camera set up, and Johnny Cash sat down on an apple box with his guitar and started to sing Oh Danny Boy for the lead actress. I was hearing him without anything being between his mouth and my ear. And I suddenly realized that no recording had ever done his voice justice, it was so profound and resinous… Bono - the lead singer of the Irish rock band U2 - called Johnny Cash’s voice the Most Masculine Voice in Christendom… I was wearing a U2 Auchtung Baby teeshirt one day, and Johnny approached me and with a certain pride that he was still relevant said “You know, a month ago I was in Dublin recording with those boys”. That song is still important to me, because of how I found out that it existed. The song is called The Wanderer, the last song on their 1993 album Zooropa…
Song song is probably one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. It is a sad lament for someone who's loved one is going to war. It makes me think of either an old man or woman who has to bid a sad farewell to a son or grandson going to war. It brings to the fore the most emotionally charged moment when you say farewell and hopefully not goodbye to a very dear one and watch them walk out of sight wearing the basic military uniform of a private. The melancholy aire holds a pensive sadness wondering what the future will hold. The setting of the loved one going to war has the shadow of fear caused by news of the terrible personal experiences reported from the war front and the current unknown results that the war would bring. Victor or vanquished. Any sensitive person will find tears rolling down their cheeks while listening to this sad song even if they live in a secure and safe place or time.
I am open to correction but I have heard that the pipes calling refers in the Irish version of Danny Boy to the ancient tradition in Ireland but clans had look outs posted to alert the clan members of any possible attack being launched against them. If any contingent of soldiers (more than likely English) was heading their way the scouts would have a relay of pipes calling around the countryside and the young strong men would arm themselves and try to fight off the enemy to protect their families and communities. The added reference to Ave Maria added the slight to the Church of England with a nod to the Roman Catholic tradition.
Since my youth this song has always stirred my heart by it's sweet melody. In later years I found a song written my Watchman Née, the well known Christian teacher and author. He borrowed the melody and added lyrics concerning every lover of Christ's long delayed return. The author penned his desire to see His long awaited return as representing the corporate sentiment of all Christians desire for His return from the time of the earliest disciples until today. The song begins with: Since long ago at Bethany we parted...
As an Irish-American I have always loved to hear “Danny Boy”. The “Londonderry Aire” tune is also used with “Lift Every Voice”, the Black National Anthem.
I've got three favourite renditions of the song: Cash on "American IV" (but - come on - each of the songs on the album in this version is a gut wrenching tearjerker), Elvis, and James (Alexander Chaplin) in "Spin City". I always thought/hoped it referred to a real life Daniel whose story I'd learn some day.
It was tradition in my family that we sing this every St. Patrick’s day, at some point. And it was prominent in my mind when my dad, Dan, died. Bittersweet anthem.
G'day! Eric Clapton Playing it on Acoustic Guitar is Beautiful, being Irish decent on Both Sides I have always loved this song,as with several other Folk already said sitting with my Folks , Uncles and Aunts singing this was a great memory of mine from Childhood, now in my 70s still get chocked up!☘" Erin go Bragh!"
Nice well researched video . One issue . In Ireland the pipes were indeed associated with war. The English government banned pipes you could march to hence Ullelan Pipes which are played sitting.
Percy Grainger was a famous Australian concert pianist who made a beautiful solo piano arrangement in the 1920’s. It became popular among pianists who played it often in their parlors for guests, as well as featuring it frequently on radio programs. It was called Londonderry Air. ( One must clearly separate the two words, preventing more than a little guffawing!) Of course, in those days of high-level culture it was often played by symphony orchestras and great classical singers. Some hymnals have sacred words set to the the tune. I remember it also with opening words “ Would God I were a tender apple blossom…
Londonderry Aire was performed by the boy's choir at Princess Diana's funeral in 1997. Danny Boy was also performed by Eric Clapton as an instrumental for a documentary on the song that was broadcast on HBO approx 30 years ago. Before Eric played it, he held the song in such reverence that he said he didn't think he could do it justice.
The song that I grew up singing as My Country 'tis of These in school each morning, turns out to have been one verse of God Save Our Thirteen States. Finding this out shows the much more direct adaptation from God Save the King.
I am a recent retired History teacher-- Taught 1956 thru 2020... Retired at the age of 86. Being a child of the Great Depression and World War 2, memories of Danny Boy come to light. Glen Miller played it throughout the war as it became a popular song especially to the Army Air Corp. Tears and memories flood my heart as I think of this and remember our boys, the Greatest Generation, who fought and gave of themselves during the war so that we may have freedom and democray.
I’m afraid that we have lost the love of our country. America has left the world we grew up in. Woke politics have buried the country and the world. We await the return of our Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you.
I think of the ones I knew who lost their lives for no good reason. I'm one of the few who's still alive to tell the tale. In most wars you die for the glory of somebody who's thousands of miles away from danger.
@@glendagaskin151 don’t say woke.
@@glendagaskin151 Trumpian fascism is the opposite of Americanism, it is more akin to the fascism of Mussolini! Why do you hate America?
@@JanemarieDWOKE WOKE WOKE
I am Italian American and went to Catholic school with mostly Irish. So it became VERY popular to sing Irish songs on ST PATRICKS DAY in class from First grade to 12th grade. Maybe if all schools played this song today there would be less hatred and violence since all of us will die one day and we could then REFLECT on being kinder and charitable to our fellow humankind since we all face the same fate
We need Irish Americans to come back yo Ireland and get Irish traditions back which was givens away by governments to EU UN globalist
Yes I grew up with Danny boy, I'm 68 years old and have known this song all my life, My dear mother named me after this song because it was her very very favorite song she held close to her heart.
Whenever I hear it or play it on my guitar, my heart is always touched, sometimes a tear will form in my eyes knowing the loving story my mom always told me about why she named me after it.
She has now passed away but her voice gently lingers like a whisper in the wind.
Danny Archer -Beautifully said!
Nelson Eddy Sang It As Well & I Was Called DANNY Growing Up . The Best Rendition Of It Was In A Local Pub & My Father Got Up & Sang It To Me Karaoke Style.
Beautiful. Your mother is a beautiful soul looking down on you.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
You are a great writer yourself!
😢❤
My dad was a B-17 pilot in WWII. This was his favorite song. Lump in my throat every time I hear it.
My dad was a flight engineer and top turret gunner on B-17s. He requested this song for his funeral. I didn't even know he liked this song so I think it must've had some special meaning for them.
My dad was on bombing runs in WW2 but couldn't sing for sh*t, so no lump in my throat, amigo... 👍🏻
Don't forget that great Irish Tenor, John McCormack. His rendition is simply magical.
I'll look that 👆
Yes, I still think it has to be the best of the older singers from way back when. That guy's voice was incredible.
You our on your Irish history Mr. Doyle🙏🏼🍀💪🏻&🇮🇪 Fore Ever!!
Thank you, Kieron.@@kieronstump
My grandmother, who had a wonderful singing voice & was of part Irish descent, used to sing that song to me as a young child. She had quite a vocal range. Unfortunately, she died suddenly of a heart attack when she was only 66 years old. While I was visiting her on that day instead of going to a cousin's birthday party, she was just finishing up writing her life's history. Several hours later after returning home, we received a call that she was gone. It was such a terrible shock to me, and I will never forget her or the wonderful memories. Please cherish your grandparents because they can make a real difference in your life! She loved the Lord, her family and fellow man. May she R.I.P.
Sinead O'Connor's singing of Danny Boy on the Late Late Show on Irish television is the best rendition of this song I've ever heard. Pulls at the heart strings. Beautiful. R.I.P Sinead.❤from Ireland 🇮🇪.
She was a Muslim
@@ashwayn and . . . ?
Ha ha, I just made that comment also ! I agree, her version was just stunning 😍
I want this song played at my gravesite , i.e Sinead O’Connor’s version and the Wolftone’s rendition of Only our rivers run free
I love the Elvis version. Would have been great to hear them duet to it somehow.
The song never gets old for me!
I am Irish American, and have heard the song all my long life. It is very moving, both music and lyrics.
You're either American or Irish .You can't be both so take your pick.
@@stanleywoodison8699why do people say this stupid ish? Does it make you feel superior?
My father had a beautiful voice and as a child I would often hear him singing Danny Boy. First, it was the tune that caught my heart and once I could understand, the words made an impact and more than six decades later, its still one of my favourites.
I’m Northern Irish and I thank you for putting this history together. As a child, I knew it as Londonderry Air. I still love it as Danny Boy. It always makes me think of the First World War and the loss of loved ones. It still makes me cry today.
My ancestors are Scottish and my Dad was born in Canada. As a tiny baby, he came home without a passport. Later years, neither the British or Irish would give him a full passport. He wrote to the Canadian Authorities who found his record of birth and issued him with a temporary passport.
A time after my mother died my father journeyed to Canada, with a clean unstamped passport and while the ‘Troubles’ still raged.
He got an awful lot of attention on arrival in Canada. Boy did we chuckle. My dad was a man with a brilliant sense of humour, a Poet and a great story teller too.
😢
As a Virginia Appalachian (like Johnny Cash) with roots of Irish/Scot, this song has been very dear to me. It is so lovely how this song transcends so many generations. Thank you for sharing the history of this beautiful song.
Johnny Cash was from Arkansas.
Only my emotions can express how this song moves me. Such an evocative, profound, deep and poignant song. Thank you for sharing its story.
My great uncle, fought in Europe in WWII. He was amazing on the harmonica❤ Loved hearing him! But our local community leaders had him come play Danny Boy at many large events! ❤ Anytime I hear or think of "Danny Boy" I remember my brother we lost in the Navy in my early teens, & my awesome uncle ❤🇺🇸❤️ Fortunately my great uncle lived not far away & we got to spend a good deal of time with him! We all adored him! He would always play his harmonica for us, & let us shoot his tiny canon he got in the war!
I love Danny Boy sung or played by anyone. It's music reaches the inmost regions of my spirit from ages back.
Timeless, ageless, and borderless. A global classic tune that resonates and transcends all races and cultures. If there's a time machine, 'Danny Boy's' tune will keep ringing and will forever be sung, from cradle to grave, in all generations.
Danny Boy Is one of the greatest songs ever. The tune and lyrics are heart warming and emotional at the same time. I listen to it a few times a month.
I am aged 68 years and the earliest memory was my father singing Danny boy to me to get me to sleep as child, I love that song 🫶🏻
In a letter dated August 1928, Fred Weatherly wrote to a friend: " Danny Boy (my words written to the Londonderry Air) is published by Boosey & Co 295 Regent St. in Keys to suit different voices. I am glad you like the words- It was a piece of sheer good luck that gave me the inspiration necessary. The most beautiful music may sometimes fail to do this. "
I’m now 73, my mother is Scottish and my father English, and I was named after that Irish tune. No doubt countless others were as well. My son’s middle name is Daniel so the legacy goes on. Cheers.
Recently have listened to it sung inItalian by Andrea Bocelli. He also sings part of it in English as well. The message and emotion come across very wel in this language and probably others too. The arrangement also tugs at the emotions while the lyrics speak of pipes calling from glen to glen this version uses the drums in place of the pipes, like military band it is clearly a call to war. This aspect of the arrangement gives me goose bumps and makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Also as Andrea Bocelli is an Italian tenor he sings with more vibrato in his voice than most thus conveying the emotion behind it with gusto.
Johanna Maine USA
There is something very deeply moving; spiritual, about the melody and lyrics that touches our souls. And if you are not crying before it ends, hitting those last two high notes will certainly open the flood gates..!!
Listen to the 4 year old little girl sing Danny Boy on youtube. I've never been able to watch her without tears. She has such a sweet voice.
My mother's grandmother who came over from England in the 1880's used to sing this to my mother and it always made her cry. My great grandmother died in 1935.
I am 77 years old, my mother sang this to me when I was very young. It made me cry then as it does now; wonderful memories that a hitch in Viet Nam as a United States Marine still brings tears. This song MUST be sung by a woman or group of women.
The Burns Sisters.
Jim Reeves did a fantastic version with his great voice
And I think they were from Ireland, the Reeves family.
The best from Sweden.
You’re so right about Jim Reeves. I think that his recording of Danny Boy may have had to do with the fact that he sang it in concert in Ireland. Danny Boy is my favorite song and Jim Reeves is my all time favorite singer. He has been since I was 2 years old. I was raised on his version of Danny Boy.
Yes, can’t leave this most beautiful version out!
Jim Reeves has such a velvet voice
I was told many years ago, Danny Boy was war song, father saying goodbye to his son! Wow, everyone has their own version. By the way, I’m not Irish, so whatever that makes me,l love the song and depends on how it’s sung, I do cry.
My dad played the violin.. Danny boy was the first tune he played.. It was also played at his funeral. ❤
I've thought, and still think 'Danny Boy' to be one of the most beautiful heart-felt and sad songs ever written since I first heard it at about 10 years of age.
My grandfather used to sing in pubs in London,after ww1, Danny boy was always his last song.
I was always told it was a ww1 song for British and Irish troops,and was a song of unity
I didn't know it was written by an Englishman.
Its a beautiful song,my Dad sung to my little brother, Danny.
We all called him Danny boy,and still do.
He's 51.
❤️
I worked at Darcy O'sheos Pub in Nth Qld,,his son was called Danny Boy, very good people to work for, had the Duke Box in the lounge, and Danny Boy was one of the people's favorite, so Thanks for the information, looks like you have given us a lot of fond memories, Cheers...
perché non pubblicate la traduzione italiana del testo di questa splendida canzone ?
I am 81, from the Philippines.
I learned to play the piece in my early teens at the piano by my female piano teacher.
Love to play it ever since.
Thank you for giving this beautiful song the reverence it deserves. The song is so stirring both musically and lyrically. I never knew about the opera connection. Very interesting. Thank you for another wonderful presentation. 🎶
My grandparents came from counties Roscommon and Galway. My name is Daniel and I have wonderful memories of my grandmother singing this song to me and her listening to it on the radio in the bedroom next door. The recessional song for her funeral was this song.
I'm really loving the history and folklore you've been releasing.
Lyrics plus music make Danny Boy ultimate musical perfection. The imagery of the words, the emotion of the singer (I always consider it is a mother bidding her son goodbye as he goes off to way) are just overwhelming, and I can actually see her hugging and waving her arms with tears in her eyes. When the late Bill Evans played it on the piano, all these qualities were in plain view and music just doesn't get anyu better than this, Danny Boy......
Certainly one of my favorites. I just heard the Sinead O'Connor a cappella version and was impressed.
You are entitled to your IMO wrong opinion.
I too was very impressed with Sinead O'Connor.
@@debbiecrawford7873 iwas impressed too when she torn the picture of the Pope in half, smooth move wasn't it?
@@saddletramp6935unironically yes. You feel all offended by it?
@@penyarol83 by what she did to the picture? Absoeffnlutey. Ranks right there with Jane Fonda (traitor bitch) a the Dixie chits.
My father introduced me to the song. It was in China in the 1980s. He bought a cassette called “great light music” (or something similar). One of the tracks was “Londonderry Air.” China just opened up to the world at the time, and I had no idea that Londonderry was an entirely different place from London. I don’t think my father knew either. When the music started, my father said “ this one is called Londonderry air. It’s beautiful.” Many years later, I heard the song again under the title Danny Boy, by the King’s Singers. I thought: this is Londonderry Air. After some digging, I found out about the history of the song. I fell in love with it all over again, like reuniting with an old friend. My father passed away from cancer last year. I don’t know if he remembered the cassette. Never thought of asking him. Now I often sing Danny Boy to my daughter when I tuck her in bed. She was only a year and half when her grandpa passed. She still remembers him, albeit vaguely. I told her that mama first heard the song from grandpa. Thus it became a little family legacy. Art lives on. So does love. Now every time I sing this song to my daughter, I know that my father is still here with us, in sunshine or in shadow.
Thats an incredible story. My grandmother sang Danny Boy to me when many times it was my favourite song for her to sing, shedied when i was 14 I mourned her terribly but my first son was named Danny he really was a Bonny boy. I dearly love the song to this day. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful video about something so important.
I think my grandmother sang it the best
I was the first grandson, and my nana loved the song and wanted to call her first grandson Danny. It means so much to me, and it's great to hear about the history , thank you. In 03/02/23, I am 51yrs of age.
Thanks for this interesting history. I'm 75, and this song became important to our family when my nephew Danny died unexpectedly at the age of 5 from brain cancer in 1967. We cherish the song as a sweet reminder of a dear little boy.
I grew up listening to my father sing this song for his mother in law every Christmas and as I am now in my sixties appreciate the song more and I must say it always gave me chills.
Love the song, now the meaning and origin behind it makes me love it even more. Kilted for life!!
This was my Grandmother's favorite song. The absolute best version of this song was performed by Eva Cassidy. No other version compares.
Well done. I love the song and have sung it for a long time. We've sung it in the NC DAR state conference choir and I have sung it at funerals and just sung it by myself. Next request, Greensleeves.
I'm with you on your second choice - yes - another one that speaks to your heart !
I must have heard Danny Boy sang 1000 times and I am not very old. I don't know who really wrote it but NOBODY can sing it better than Jackie Evancho. She performs it in her classical voice and there is simply no comparison. Period!!!!! 🇮🇪🍀💚 She was just a teenager from Philadelphia when she recorded it. 🇺🇸❤🎵
thanks, an excellent video - terrific work you've done there, presenting it
Danny Boy was my mother's favourite song. Now I know why, She grew up in Londonderry. I have a new pup and I have named him Dannyboy so this is very interesting to me.
I first heard Danny Boy by Patti LaBelle and the Bluebells, then Jackie Wilson, now I'm listening to everyone's versions, my favorite- Patti LaBelle (stays in your head,/so touching) Jackie Wilson (most dynamic and dramatic version) and Eva Cassidy ( angelic/ most heart wrenching so beautiful, especially after you hear her story). That being said, I don't think anyone can miss with Danny Boy just get the words right
"Danny Boy",,, I can still remember my German Oma and Mom humming this music! I'm 72, and get heart broken a little each time I hear it.
This song is an emotional experience. Another song that has an indeterminant message is House Of The Rising Sun. Both pieces of music tell sad stories with vague beginnings, foggy proceedings, and uncertain destinations.
Anyway, they seem that way to me.
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
One more highlight I think deserves mention. the song was again repurposed and re arranged to be the theme song to Danny Thomas's TV show. The song was given a 40s-50s big band vibe that makes it very listenable.
I learned it as Londonderry Aire. I’ve always loved it!
I love this song because it reminds me of the son of a friend of mine that I was very fond of. Danny is in his fifties now, and we have remained friends through the years. We live in opposite corners of the country from each other today, but when I hear this song, it seems to bring us back together for a few minutes.
Thank you for this great video. Now we understand the depth of this popular air.
Nice! Thank you for this! I will be playing Danny Boy several times this week and more during the rest of the month with my band, Tom Keefer and Celtic Cross. Five gigs in the next 4 days! And I'll be pushing our new CD, which does not include Danny Boy, lol.
This was one of my father’s very favorite songs.
Leaves a lump in my throat when I preform it for my family at gatherings.
My sister’s boyfriend died at 27 in a freak accident. He loved Danny Boy and always asked for it when we were at an Irish pub. Every time I hear it, I think of him. BTW, we call it the DERRY air.
How can you not mention one of the Celtic Woman versions?
My Mother loved it when our local 'singing bartender' would perform it.
When tired or depressed with too much to drink, it will get me on a
crying jag. It's something to see a grown man cry, turning our
armor to rust.
Wow thanks for that in depth historical explanation of the song. Having Scottish and Irish family history I am always fascinated with any historical references from that area. My father was a WWII veteran and requested bag pipes with AmazingGrace at his funeral. He had a twin brother named Daniel that died several decades before him but we always used to talk about the song because of the name.
My Northern Irish grandad, who had a marvelous voice, would occasionally sing this amazing song and weep. As a young child , astonished, mesmerized by the sight of an emotional adult, and moved by the tune and words, I will always love this song. And I thought it was about Irish people leaving Ireland for the USA?
🇮🇪 ❤❤❤ 🇮🇪 My grandfather is from Northern Ireland too. This song makes me cry every time I hear it.
Named my second son after the song! Never had a song continuously move me as much. It never fails.
I love this song my grandfather bought this song 🎵 into our family 😊
One of the Songs that move me everytime I hear it.I know it from The Pogues and Johnny Cash.Needless to say,I had some tears in my eyes again after watching your Video.Another interesting History lesson.Thankyou from Germany.
I was born and raised in Eire The story we were told was a musician was walking home one night from the pub he decided to lay down in a small field he fell asleep and was woken by this magical music which he called the Derry Air Londonderry Air called by some. The music got to Germany the words were written by a German father to his son going off to war . I love that music and song 💕💕💕
My mother and Father were Irish my Fathers Father saw service in the First World War in the Irish rifles and the Irish fusiliers. My youngest brother is called Danny affectionately know as Danny boy. That song was a firm favourite in our house and could always bring a tear to my Mum and Dads eye reminding them of Ireland. And the family back home. I think it was about a soldier and the longing to see him again it could of been about a son brother and a sweetheart. Which ever you wanted it to be that’s why it’s so popular it meant different things to different people. Hoping against hope he’d comee back when summer was in the meadow. Beautiful song beautiful words and tune. Sinead O Conner did a beautiful rendition of it on the late show it’s on U Tube .
I love to listen to Elvis singing Danny Boy. Great rendition.
My grandfather loved to sing in the shower.... this was one of his favourites to sing.
He was my world and id sit and wait for him listening to him sing all his favourite songs....
Second favourite i lovex to hear him sing was Cotton Fields❤
My Irish half has always loved this tune, a beautiful, moving melody. I love playing great melodies; so it's a favorite. Recommended: Ben Webster on tenor sax (King of the Tenors CD). No words, just beauty. The story goes that a table of Irishmen at a concert paid him to play the song, weeping as they listened. Check it out.
Roy Orbison also recorded a beautiful version with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Cedric McLeod
My favourite version.
My Uncle Thomas Norman was a talented singer and won prizes for singing Danny Boy in the 1930's. He was later called up to fight in the second world war with the Royal Leicestershire regiment and was killed at LeHarve in France on the 11th of September 1944 aged 21. He was buried in LeHarve at the St Marie cemetery there in a military grave. No one from the family had ever been to the grave as they were not from a particularly wealthy background. However, as his nephew and as an ex-serviceman myself I undertook a trip to find his grave and lay a wreath in 2013 with my son and wife. On finding his grave we could see some engraving on the bottom hidden behind some flowers on inspection we were astonished to see the words "You'll come and find the place where I am lying, we loved you so Danny Boy" We were stunned no one in the family had ever mentioned the inscription. We can only assume it was his mother's choice of words at the time of the commonwealth war grave erection of his gravestone. If it was she never told anyone. She used to cry whenever she heard it sung in pubs or clubs for her lost son. It has become the choice song at all of the Norman family funerals and hopefully will always be so.
Danny Boy was my father’s favorite song and I often wonder if it had much deeper special meaning for him. He was a bomber pilot flying out of England in WWII and of course he never spoke about his time over there during period in his life. But he did name my youngest brother Daniel, which was not a family name.
Of all of the versions, Bill Monroe sends chills up my spine. Also, I understand that the woman who wrote the lyrics did so in Ouray, Colorado.
Around 1993, I was working on the television show Dr. Quinn; Medicine Woman, and both Johnny and June Cash had running roles on the show. One day, we started to move the lights for a new camera set up, and Johnny Cash sat down on an apple box with his guitar and started to sing Oh Danny Boy for the lead actress. I was hearing him without anything being between his mouth and my ear. And I suddenly realized that no recording had ever done his voice justice, it was so profound and resinous…
Bono - the lead singer of the Irish rock band U2 - called Johnny Cash’s voice the Most Masculine Voice in Christendom…
I was wearing a U2 Auchtung Baby teeshirt one day, and Johnny approached me and with a certain pride that he was still relevant said “You know, a month ago I was in Dublin recording with those boys”. That song is still important to me, because of how I found out that it existed. The song is called The Wanderer, the last song on their 1993 album Zooropa…
Lead actress Jane Seymour?
@@nicolad8822 …
That’s right, Jane Seymour…
As an Irishman from Clonmel County Tipperary Thank you so much that was just Brilliant.
Listen to Keith Jarrett play it on piano, a solo, it brings tears to my eyes every time.
Song song is probably one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. It is a sad lament for someone who's loved one is going to war. It makes me think of either an old man or woman who has to bid a sad farewell to a son or grandson going to war. It brings to the fore the most emotionally charged moment when you say farewell and hopefully not goodbye to a very dear one and watch them walk out of sight wearing the basic military uniform of a private. The melancholy aire holds a pensive sadness wondering what the future will hold. The setting of the loved one going to war has the shadow of fear caused by news of the terrible personal experiences reported from the war front and the current unknown results that the war would bring. Victor or vanquished.
Any sensitive person will find tears rolling down their cheeks while listening to this sad song even if they live in a secure and safe place or time.
I am open to correction but I have heard that the pipes calling refers in the Irish version of Danny Boy to the ancient tradition in Ireland but clans had look outs posted to alert the clan members of any possible attack being launched against them. If any contingent of soldiers (more than likely English) was heading their way the scouts would have a relay of pipes calling around the countryside and the young strong men would arm themselves and try to fight off the enemy to protect their families and communities. The added reference to Ave Maria added the slight to the Church of England with a nod to the Roman Catholic tradition.
The presentation was excellent, well done, really well spoken with genuine interest.
It always makes my cry when sung right.
He missed THE VERSION THE HYM "He looked beyond my fault "the words of amazing grace and music of Aire
Since my youth this song has always stirred my heart by it's sweet melody. In later years I found a song written my Watchman Née, the well known Christian teacher and author. He borrowed the melody and added lyrics concerning every lover of Christ's long delayed return. The author penned his desire to see His long awaited return as representing the corporate sentiment of all Christians desire for His return from the time of the earliest disciples until today. The song begins with: Since long ago at Bethany we parted...
As an Irish-American I have always loved to hear “Danny Boy”. The “Londonderry Aire” tune is also used with “Lift Every Voice”, the Black National Anthem.
Our mum used to sing it, all 3 verses, she had the most beautiful sweet voice
Beautiful song, don't think anyone may ever do it as good as Jim Reeves, whom the host made no mention
I've got three favourite renditions of the song: Cash on "American IV" (but - come on - each of the songs on the album in this version is a gut wrenching tearjerker), Elvis, and James (Alexander Chaplin) in "Spin City". I always thought/hoped it referred to a real life Daniel whose story I'd learn some day.
Such a great presentation! Learned so much about this beautiful song!
And then there was the Danny Thomas Show in the 1950s that used Danny Boy as the theme song. Danny Thomas was Lebanese.
It was tradition in my family that we sing this every St. Patrick’s day, at some point. And it was prominent in my mind when my dad, Dan, died. Bittersweet anthem.
G'day! Eric Clapton Playing it on Acoustic Guitar is Beautiful, being Irish decent on Both Sides I have always loved this song,as with several other Folk already said sitting with my Folks , Uncles and Aunts singing this was a great memory of mine from Childhood, now in my 70s still get chocked up!☘" Erin go Bragh!"
Nice well researched video . One issue . In Ireland the pipes were indeed associated with war. The English government banned pipes you could march to hence Ullelan Pipes which are played sitting.
We have three cemeteries in New Orleans, St Patrick no1,2,and 3. I wish I had a dollar for every time this song was played there.
Percy Grainger was a famous Australian concert pianist who made a beautiful solo piano arrangement in the 1920’s. It became popular among pianists who played it often in their parlors for guests, as well as featuring it frequently on radio programs. It was called Londonderry Air. ( One must clearly separate the two words, preventing more than a little guffawing!) Of course, in those days of high-level culture it was often played by symphony orchestras and great classical singers. Some hymnals have sacred words set to the the tune. I remember it also with opening words “ Would God I were a tender apple blossom…
The first time I heard Danny Boy sung with 4 versus was Tony Bennett's tradition. The first rendition I loved was by a very young Hayley Westernra
Thank you for sharing and that is the story.
Londonderry Aire was performed by the boy's choir at Princess Diana's funeral in 1997. Danny Boy was also performed by Eric Clapton as an instrumental for a documentary on the song that was broadcast on HBO approx 30 years ago. Before Eric played it, he held the song in such reverence that he said he didn't think he could do it justice.
I know that Kate Smith recorded this, as we played it at my dad’s funeral. I also seem to remember Danny Thomas singing it on his television show.
It was O'Cahan's Lament, last of the local chieftains. O'Hempsen's grave is at St. Aiden's, Magilligan, near Limavady.
The song that I grew up singing as My Country 'tis of These in school each morning, turns out to have been one verse of God Save Our Thirteen States. Finding this out shows the much more direct adaptation from God Save the King.
I first heard it sung by Jim Reeves and fell in love with it then and still love it.
9:24 Vince Gill sings Danny Boy on a new album, Sweet Memories. His voice is simply amazing, and it's one of the best renditions I've ever heard❤
Always makes me tear up.