Danny Boy - History & Legacy of the Greatest Irish Song of All Time

[@AudreyDvorak]

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.

[@glendagaskin151]

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.

[@neilreynolds3858]

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.

[@JanemarieD]

@@glendagaskin151 don’t say woke.

[@williamjackson5942]

@@glendagaskin151 Trumpian fascism is the opposite of Americanism, it is more akin to the fascism of Mussolini! Why do you hate America?

[@lbeau061]

@@JanemarieDWOKE WOKE WOKE

[@brucerobbins6528]

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......

[@caroljames8139]

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❤

[@rosiebottom3870]

Mahalia Jackson's is my favourite version.

[@elizabethnyachomba4172]

I grew up listening 2 Dany boy 4rom Jim Reeves.

[@chooselife903]

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

[@zzzzzxcvhjiiiibbbb]

We need Irish Americans to come back yo Ireland and get Irish traditions back which was givens away by governments to EU UN globalist

[@mfdoyle5879]

Don't forget that great Irish Tenor, John McCormack. His rendition is simply magical.

[@frankdunne3440]

I'll look that 👆

[@brianmorris8045]

Yes, I still think it has to be the best of the older singers from way back when. That guy's voice was incredible.

[@kieronstump]

You our on your Irish history Mr. Doyle🙏🏼🍀💪🏻&🇮🇪 Fore Ever!!

[@mfdoyle5879]

Thank you, Kieron.@@kieronstump

[@pjmcgoldrick1967]

I was in a Tokyo nightclub in 1986 where there was a lot of singing going on. The music was amazing. The hostess, hearing that I was Irish, asked me to sing Danny Boy. I was astounded. ‘The musicians won’t know it,’ I protested. She said, ‘No, no, just sing.' So I did. My voice sounded better than I’d ever heard it in that sound system. Then came the chorus. To my astonishment, all the heads that I could see in the darkness were thrown back and every voice joined in. ‘But come ye back…’ All of us Irish nearly collapsed laughing. Everybody knew the song. I later heard it’s taught in primary schools in Japan and South Korea. What I didn’t know that night in Tokyo was that I had just been introduced to karaoke!! I wasn't to realise that until years later. I just thought there was a bunch of guys somewhere in the darkness who were bloody brilliant musicians! 😂🇮🇪😂

[@marbleman52]

@pjmcgoldrick1967...That is a great story...!1 I would have loved to have been there. I bet it was almost surreal.

[@lilliankeane5731]

Good story, when a crowd unites in song its a special moment and especially in a far away country with a different language, its quite amazing how music or a song can cross cultures and other barriers. Oh best wishes from Tasmania Australia, its known here too. Im originally from Dublin. ♥️

[@patriciajrs46]

That's funny and heartwarming. Thanks.

[@pamcadd8658]

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.

[@stigbengtsson7026]

Jim Reeves did a fantastic version with his great voice And I think they were from Ireland, the Reeves family. The best from Sweden.

[@cmm2145]

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.

[@DS-bg9fl]

Yes, can’t leave this most beautiful version out!

[@davidjohn_va]

Jim Reeves has such a velvet voice

[@livergen]

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.

[@juliemckenzie5960]

Danny Archer -Beautifully said!

[@georgeneale1222]

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.

[@Peabody388]

Beautiful. Your mother is a beautiful soul looking down on you.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@libertyann439]

You are a great writer yourself!

[@tracybentley4731]

😢❤

[@WittnerMusic]

My dad was a B-17 pilot in WWII. This was his favorite song. Lump in my throat every time I hear it.

[@nukejane1289]

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.

[@dennymartin18]

My dad was on bombing runs in WW2 but couldn't sing for sh*t, so no lump in my throat, amigo... 👍🏻

[@bradjohnson4787]

The song never gets old for me!

[@DavboDevphi]

I always thought it was a parent's song about their son going off to war . In the second verse the parent wants the son to return home from service . It also says if the parent dies before the son's return , he is to go to the grave of the parent so they will know he survived and can finally rest in peace .

[@mariestreeting4213]

Oh my goodness, this had me in tears. So sad.

[@joannegild8001]

This is my understanding as well.

[@RozeneEsprey]

So sad

[@wordsculpt]

That is what I have always heard. The father served in WW1, and his son had just been drafted for the second world war.

[@eliza2341]

Only my emotions can express how this song moves me. Such an evocative, profound, deep and poignant song. Thank you for sharing its story.

[@marykilgarriff3550]

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 🇮🇪.

[@ashwayn]

She was a Muslim

[@jeffreycrawley1216]

@@ashwayn and . . . ?

[@Vent330]

Ha ha, I just made that comment also ! I agree, her version was just stunning 😍

[@eileenmarley1756]

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

[@raymondturner3952]

I love the Elvis version. Would have been great to hear them duet to it somehow.

[@leeboatwright8262]

You did not mention Dennis Day from the Jack Benny radio and TV shows. He sang the Hell out of it.

[@marymcmullen5150]

Yes, I grew up with the song in Dublin. My Dad died in 1955, he and my Mam were soldiers in WW11. Although the song is Irish it sang of all soldiers, a lament for them to all come home. We at home sang every sunday afternoon, our house was full with family visits. Danny Boy was sung often, showed the yearning of the heart and respect for the soldier, men and women who took care of us during a harsh and bloody war. I have heard it sung by newspaper boys in Dublin . I have heard it sung in many languages , it is wonderful what people can share together. Thank you for the video, it is well presented.

[@ninavongunten122]

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.

[@shanthiweerasekera9923]

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.

[@nitasheehan2704]

I am Irish American, and have heard the song all my long life. It is very moving, both music and lyrics.

[@stanleywoodison8699]

You're either American or Irish .You can't be both so take your pick.

[@penyarol83]

​@@stanleywoodison8699why do people say this stupid ish? Does it make you feel superior?

[@memelangeRose]

At our family gatherings the dads and our uncles would start to sing songs and Danny Boy was always one of those 💜

[@larrylogue1578]

I remember growing up in the 60's and my father singing this. The only song I remember him singing. Between it and "Amazing Grace" on the pipes I could listen to every day. Thank you for the history lesson. Much appreciated!

[@saddletramp6935]

My uncle was in a drum and pipes band in the 60s and 70s. When he died his funeral was held a little brick church in Western PA. The band sent two pipers to do Amazing Grace. At the time I thought they should have sent more due to the amount of time he had spent in the group. I was wrong! Two were plenty. There wasn't a dry eye in the place. The windows rattled, dust settled on us and was extremely impressed. I guess the band knew what they needed for the size of the venue. Thank you Kiltie band from Erie,PA. BTW, my uncle Carl played the bass drum.

[@janettedavis6627]

And I hate both songs.

[@rickypilcher3618]

This was my Grandmother's favorite song. The absolute best version of this song was performed by Eva Cassidy. No other version compares.

[@cristineconnell7803]

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!

[@larryr.johnson3048]

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

[@chrispowell8303]

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. "

[@Tameasa]

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.

[@SMcCaskill]

Johnny Cash was from Arkansas.

[@dustinwhitaker9377]

I'm really loving the history and folklore you've been releasing.

[@martinmaidenbaum5159]

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.

[@annenyman678]

This was one of my fathers favorite songs, and whenever I hear it I feel like he is sending me a message from beyond.

[@CatCmdr]

To me, this will always be about my cousin Danny. His Mother, my Aunt played it Beautifully. They’re together now, in Peace. ❤

[@mariomovillon1613]

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.

[@annaquinn4810]

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.

[@danhogan4093]

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.

[@Wanda-tr4nq]

The Burns Sisters.

[@joysegura5520]

I love Danny Boy sung or played by anyone. It's music reaches the inmost regions of my spirit from ages back.

[@melodymoore9765]

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.

[@liamhurley-d8f]

😢

[@susantescione8007]

Certainly one of my favorites. I just heard the Sinead O'Connor a cappella version and was impressed.

[@saddletramp6935]

You are entitled to your IMO wrong opinion.

[@debbiecrawford7873]

I too was very impressed with Sinead O'Connor.

[@saddletramp6935]

@@debbiecrawford7873 iwas impressed too when she torn the picture of the Pope in half, smooth move wasn't it?

[@penyarol83]

​@@saddletramp6935unironically yes. You feel all offended by it?

[@saddletramp6935]

@@penyarol83 by what she did to the picture? Absoeffnlutey. Ranks right there with Jane Fonda (traitor bitch) a the Dixie chits.

[@patrickodonnell4109]

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. 🎶

[@LordMondegrene]

"Danny Boy" doesn't just TOUCH my heart. ... tears it out all over again.

[@marbleman52]

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..!!

[@Limfame]

It’s my favorite song since I was a kid. I sang it hundreds of time. I’m now 75!

[@AnneReed-x1k]

My dad played the violin.. Danny boy was the first tune he played.. It was also played at his funeral. ❤

[@dcurleyifa]

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 🫶🏻

[@ArizonaAirspace]

I’ve always thought of Danny Boy being sang by a lovely Irish girl, longing for her boy who sailed away to America to make his fortune. And by the time he makes it back to Ireland, she is dead and buried in the green soft meadow. He kneels by her headstone and cries softly telling her that he will always love her.

[@davidallison900]

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.

[@cathydavis9259]

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.

[@diannemcleod8737]

Roy Orbison also recorded a beautiful version with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Cedric McLeod

[@stevecardiff444]

My favourite version.

[@b.tilson5198]

I remember my dad singing this song back in the ‘70’s when I was very young. His name was Dan, and he died when I was only 12 years old, so this song always makes me cry. But I think it’s one of the most beautiful songs ever written.

[@danielnixon2472]

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.

[@jackvoss5841]

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

[@squadiodatamj5998]

Canadian of Irish and Scottish roots "Danny Boy" runs deep to my heart. My brother (recently deceased) was named Danny (not Daniel) and this song held meaning for our family. I sang this song as a bed time lullaby to our daughters. Singing it long, low and slow brought our children to their gentle sleep on many a night. I've just decided this piece of music will be played for any celebration of my life at my passing. At 70 yrs of age I'm thinking about these things. Now, do I want it by bagpipe, male tenor, children's choir or have attendees join in for a sing song? Thanks for the (news to me) history.

[@sandracollett8743]

My father who fought in WW11 wanted this song played at his funeral 20 years ago. I still get teary when I hear it played.

[@jude175]

For many years I rescued chained dogs. One of those dogs was a German Shepherd whom I named Danny Boy. One year, the most famous choirs in my city held a fundraiser for the society I rescued for. The whole evening was magic, but the best part was the last part when all the choirs were massed on stage singing Danny Boy as Danny and I stood at the side. I could hear the crying in the audience even over the sound of the choirs.

[@williammartinez840]

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

[@danielvhogan]

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.

[@mechellturner3915]

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.

[@veronicaroach3667]

I'm with you on your second choice - yes - another one that speaks to your heart !

[@debashishghosh3090]

Have you forgotten the booming voice of Paul Robeson and the melodious Judith Durham singing this wonderful song ?

[@jimgordon6629]

It is perfectly obvious that the song is sung by an aging person to a young man, and obviously it has to do with war with the pipes reference, regardless if this smacks more of Scotland, since it wasn’t written by an Irishman. Could be used by either nationality. Most of its charm relates to the unusual representation of the pain of a parent seeing a son go off to war. The gender of the parent is ambiguous, which is good since it’s equally affecting when sung by either male or female singers. One of the worlds greatest songs!

[@Bobmudu35UK]

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. ❤️

[@patriciapitt4228]

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...

[@francobardini292]

perché non pubblicate la traduzione italiana del testo di questa splendida canzone ?

[@IrishRooster86]

Love the song, now the meaning and origin behind it makes me love it even more. Kilted for life!!

[@barbarabeucher9269]

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.

[@DaniG-pc6of]

I was so excited to get a record player and a couple of records for my birthday when I was 9 or 10 years old. The first record I played, a 45, was Oh Danny Boy by Jim Reeves. I have always loved that song. The other record I received was the Legend of Bonnie and Clyde by Merle Haggard. Great memories!

[@sylviekins]

Jim Reeves, what a lovely voice!

[@rayagoldendropofsun397]

Beautiful song, don't think anyone may ever do it as good as Jim Reeves, whom the host made no mention

[@ogarcia515]

And then there was the Danny Thomas Show in the 1950s that used Danny Boy as the theme song. Danny Thomas was Lebanese.

[@philipbuencamino4591]

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.

[@davidpahlka6301]

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.

[@agdgdgwngo]

I feel like a bit of an idiot cos I always assumed it was Scottish. Cmon, though pipes, glens and stuff, sounds Scottish to me

[@richardcray2919]

There's pipes and Glen's in Ireland..sure didn't the Scottish come from Ireland..the scotia people

[@PaulA-um9zw]

Thank you for the video. It was an absolutely great to hear about the history of such a beautiful song. Even though I am not Irish, I have always LOVED THIS SONG! And the culture that it has adorned. God bless and be well...

[@thomaskline]

Judith Durham’s version will stop your breath!

[@johnwoulfe3118]

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. 🇺🇸❤🎵

[@patricksullivan4329]

I can't understand what is so difficult about the lyric. It's simply a song to be sung by a young Irish lass, lamenting that her summer romance is over now that the crops have been gathered and the young man has gone back to his home. She's hoping he will come back next year, but this being 19th century Ireland with its low life expectancy, there is no guarantee she'll be around to greet him if he does. Just read the lyric, it's not cryptic: 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 falling, It's you, it's 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, It's I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow, Oh, Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so! But when ye come, and all the flowers are dying, If I am dead, as dead I well may be, You'll come and find the place where I am lying, And kneel and say an Ave there for me. And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me, And all my grave will warmer, sweeter be, For you will bend and tell me that you love me, And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me!

[@LittleLordFancyLad]

I swear that until today I always assumed it was Scottish. I mean pipes and glens and mountains usually invoke Scotland, whereas Irish tropes are harps and rolling green hills.

[@alphonsotate2982]

He missed THE VERSION THE HYM "He looked beyond my fault "the words of amazing grace and music of Aire

[@jackspeer2127]

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.

[@BlueShadow777]

I have an original piece of sheet music entitled “Oh, Eily Dear”… not in parenthesis after “Danny Boy” but as a firm title of its own. Same tune, same everything including (in fact EXACTLY THE SAME AS) the large white page format with black lettering/font but with “Oh, Eily Dear” instead of “Danny Boy”.

[@maureenbowerman5300]

Thank you. I didn't grow up listening to it, but instantly loved it the first time I heard it and it's nice to know the history of it now. Thank you.

[@bluesscribe]

Johnny Cash didn't just bury it once, but twice.

[@raymondturner3952]

I love to listen to Elvis singing Danny Boy. Great rendition.

[@ivanheffner2587]

How many takes did Erik have to do to make “The Londonderry Air” not sound like “The London Derrière”? Am I the only one that heard that?

[@alanchapman2782]

There is nothing in the lyrics that specifically indicates the song is about Ireland. It certainly has become a national song and identified with Ireland, but whether that is more through popularity than fact is perhaps debatable. In fact, with lyrics such as "Glen to Glen," "the pipes, the pipes are calling," would indicate Scotland at least as much, if not more, than Ireland. That said, its a moot point as it has, and is, a piece of music/song that is loved in every corner of the world and by every nationality.

[@luathgf7088]

Oh, dear ! Great as he may have been to some ears, Cash sings flat throughout and - in both versions - misses almost every aspect of this lovely melody, not least its beautiful timing. Crude sentimentality at its worst. Dreadful !

[@ernestpinder7557]

As the commentator said - the pipes calling from glen to glen certainly speaks to the lyricist having at least one foot in Scotland. Also the idea that the singer is a love interest seems equally as plausible as it being a parent. Either way, when well sung Danny Boy brings a tear to my eye.

[@mikmik9034]

Strange, I don'[t like the J. Cash versions, this is odd because I generally liked all his work. The arrangements are off key to me.

[@guylavoie1342]

We have a French language hymn set to that melody that's a transliteration of 1 Corinthians chapter 13. Lovely tune for that theme.

[@danieljandt6981]

Hey Brother, I have a real problem. I knew I was Scott's Irish. But my father was adopted and his las name changed from Cunningham to Jandt. I did a DNA analysis and found I'm between 64 and 78% Scottish and Irish. I want to get a proper complete dress to honor my heritage. Can you help? Yes I'm clan Cunningham. Actually linked to the clan chief Cunningham.

[@nicolad8822]

Actual Scottish people don’t do this.

[@aingealtara1479]

.. Jim Reeves too sang the song.. .. The lady who heard the tune at first cqme from a blind fiddler right outside her house in county derry, Ireland.. The lady had then asked the man if she could have it and record and he had agreed, unfortunately she never got the man's name, so that's why the composer of the tune is unknown.. The rest is history..

[@robkelly5808]

I've heard that Weatherly's sister in-law was living in Colorado and heard an Irish miner singing it and told him about it. Of course I'm in Colorado and like that part of the story.

[@marythomson8537]

God Save the King 1745,My Country tis of thee 1831.

[@sherry2818]

I disagree. After the death of Kennedy ; who didn’t learn of this song’s history? This is when I first learned of its origin .

[@neilreynolds3858]

Danny Boy is the most heart rending song I know. In my interpretation as a soldier, it's the last song of a lover left behind when you go off to war. She's in danger too and doesn't know if she'll be there if you return. War takes its tole on everyone and is hardly ever justified.

[@Lambert7785]

thanks, an excellent video - terrific work you've done there, presenting it

[@ronammologist16]

Yes, but I hard it was from a letter, a father to his son upon his leaving for war.

[@enkisdaughter4795]

It was written by the English lawyer, Frederic Weatherly in 1910 in Bath, Somerset, and set to the music of Londonderry Air in 1913. Danny Boy is supposed to be used when sung by a woman, whilst Eily Dear is used when sung by a man.

[@imadickens3337]

I learned it as Londonderry Aire. I’ve always loved it!

[@DanielJones55]

One of my favorites......Wonder why? :)

[@edwardbourke5240]

Surely Judith Durham;s version with the Seekers c1968 with her ability to hit the high notes must be amongst the best

[@jaygregerson5659]

I couldn’t agree more, Edward.

[@JeniferGraham]

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.

[@fredk9999]

Are you ever going to get around to Danny Boy?

[@modwolf55]

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.

[@tianshuqu9704]

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.