Ron Hynes - Sonny's Dream

[@BigSplenda1885]

My grandmother's only son moved away when he was young, and essentially never came back. He visited a handful of times in the last 6 decades, and while she was dying she begged that he would come home to see her one last time. He didn't. This song has very special meaning to me.😢

[@dougruppel4637]

This song is so awesome. I'm a screeched in Newfoundlander....kissed the cod, took the oath, drank the screech and danced the jig etc.. Anyway, this song was played and it has stuck with me ever since I was there last year when this ceremony happened during my driving tour of the complete island. I have never wanted to move somewhere more than I do to Newfoundland. A winter there might tamper the desire as I live in St. Pete Florida and only seen snow 5 times. Still, NL is my favorite place and I want to go back. This song just takes me back there to all the fishing villages I went through and visited.

[@Zoey5374]

I haven't been to NFL that I remember, but I do think it is a great place. I'm from Atlantic Canada and want to go there sometime. Also you seen snow 5 times!!???? I'm just shocked because it's so normal for me, when I was little I thought it snowed every winter worldwide, and everyone grew up with snow in winter, obviously I realized that that doesn't happen but it's still astonishing to think about!

[@matthewthorpe9641]

Well keep you warm. Maritimers are known as great hosts

[@suzannehansen7519]

@@matthewthorpe9641 I have never been to Newfoundland but hope to someday soon. I was born in Nova Scotia but have spent much of my life in other areas of Canada. But the Maritimes and my home province is a special place to me. That will always be my true home.

[@chrislake3081]

I'm a newfie. Good stuff ;)

[@BigSplenda1885]

So many covers of this song and none even come close...Ron nailed it, the rest of the covers are sped up too much and it's totally wrong for this song

[@onodatboi9041]

Love you grandpa. Thanks for selling this song and making it more than just something we enjoyed together.

[@RabidCulture-fr6cx]

awwww❤

[@boomer9091]

Was Ron Hynes your grandpa? Can’t believe this song is so recent. Heard it via Hamish Imlach . It’s been in my head now for about a week and a half. Just as well I love the song ❤ !

[@TheEd1957]

A true Canadian and Newfoundland music legend. God Bless Ron Hynes.

[@vixzen13]

I lost my dad to the Ocean Ranger. He use to play/sing this song. It is over 20 years and this song still means so very much to me...

[@donpaynter2642]

sorry to read of your Dad's passing Vicki! hugs from P.E.I. and this is such a great tune!

[@shaunmcinnis1960]

So sorry to hear that Vicky. This is such a beautiful reminder of your Dad but I know its sad too.Bless you

[@adagera8185]

vicki augot vu

[@budzski42]

so very sorry Vicki..

[@acompanyalf]

vicki augot I remember that tragic accident, you have my deepest sympathy .xxxxxxx

[@woodpathcatdoghospital8149]

My mom passed away in May of this year and was laid to rest on the eve of Mothers Day she loved Ron Hynes and I am having a very difficult day today when I heard of Rons passing I can only hope that my mom is watching Ron live in heaven right now as I type and that she is in the front rowe and Ron is singing Sonny's Dream and his eyes just happen to look into my Moms and they both smile their brillant smile at each other as they each did to every one that they saw and spoke to on earth Love you both and miss you still Mom Linda Kane XXX OOO

[@terryfitzpatrick5602]

So unfortunate that here in Canada we sometimes fail to appreciate and embrace our homegrown talent. I'm from Ontario and really had not heard of Ron. We get so bombarded by stuff out of the states we often never have a chance to hear our own wonderful talent.

[@MIKE1236936]

I heard "Sonnie's Dreams"the first time on CBC late night.I actually got teary-eyed.Beautiful song,Ron.Mike from N.B.

[@Simpsinosa]

Just discovered this song and Ron. Such a beautiful, bittersweet song and the music and Ron’s voice is so clean, so crystal clear

[@lapalan8149]

To the family of Ron Hynes: Thank you for sharing Ron with the rest of us. I'm sure you must know, that you weren't the only ones that loved Ron. His music brought a lot of happiness and comfort to people all over the world, that heard is songs. God Bless and God Speed.

[@bonou22008]

Remember listening to this song as my dad and I would drive from Toronto to Newfoundland every summer. My father is from Stephenville, Flat Bay. Love my father very much. Hope he knows, we aren’t men of many words

[@BrendanWalshMusic]

My Dad just told me to listen to "his cousin Ron," and I'm blown away. Beautiful! So sorry I missed you in this life Ron.

[@shannanryan3056]

Too true

[@jeffwilson6449]

My brother in law was friends with Ron.

[@timrhicks1234]

Rons music will live on forever. One of the best songs ever written hands down

[@terrychase3809]

RIP Ron,....thanks for the tunes....the laughs...the great Canadian songwriter that you were and always will be.....the campfire tunes ....Rest in peace.......God Bless

[@shaunmcinnis566]

Haunting song. I heard it first when I was about 10 years old and still remember how it impacted me that day.

[@adelerosenbloom2320]

Cousin Ron.....you will live on in our hearts and souls through your lyrics and your music. You were always the "man of a thousand songs". Godspeed, God Bless, God Love.....

[@halfway2hell]

+Adele Rosenbloom "Man of a thousand songs"..... all Sonny's Dream

[@evamartin380]

+Adele Rosenbloom He will be sorely miss by many of his fans ,sorry for your lost Adele RIP Ron !

[@autonlmatic]

+Adele Rosenbloom So sorry for your loss he will be greatly missed RIP Ron!

[@micktakamine]

Hi Adele. Have just come across this version and it is magic and I hadn't heard of this artist before, sadly to my loss. I only ever heard the Mary Black version. Would you know who I could contact to get the original backing track for this or who holds the copyright so I could contact them with regard to obtaining it if possible. Regards Mick Man In Black

[@waynegatehouse3998]

Born and raised in Change islands Newfoundland. Looking forward to going back in retirement at the end of the year. If you are from the Rock 🪨 it never leaves you.

[@rfish54]

I am sad to hear of Ron Hynes' death. He was a great Canadian songwriter and a wonderful performer and will be greatly missed. His beautiful song, "Sonny's Dream" will remain a heartfelt favourite, and a treasured way to remember Ron. R.I.P.

[@tjmiron2203]

Let us keep Rons's music alive... Play at your kitchen parties and over Christmas...And buy his albums to suport his legend and family. Wonderful memories shared drinking a scotch wit ya at the ship. I'll miss ya buddy

[@lynnwhite1724]

omg I am crying, have not heard this song for so long, it made me think of my two sons Robert & Jonny, I live in the East Now & my sons are out West, with it being Easter Week end I miss them & my daughter who is in Ontario

[@donaldc.4326]

One of my favorite songs. Thanks Ron.

[@FrankieDaix1978]

FROM CAPE BRETON R.I.P i used to sing this song as a kid there is a recording of me flipping out tryin to get to the mic to sing this I was about 4 my Dad is a big fan !

[@lynngallant8188]

RIP Lawson Gallant, a great man, husband and father. He loved horses, and the racetrack. He loved his wife and children, and grandchildren. He loved this song too. Now he rests with his brothers. Forever in our hearts, we love you Grampie.

[@lindamoon920]

I am a Newfie from Harbour Breton on south coast. Just happened on this song, and I love it. Thank you, Mr Hynes. You remain with us in your music.

[@TheUnclerickie]

Do you know Glenn and Curtis Ashford also from Harbour Breton? Glenn is a very dear friend. Small world. God bless the Newfs!

[@mattmassie2530]

Ron is still alive. He is in remission from his cancer and is touring again,

[@lindamoon920]

Good to hear.

[@paddy1952]

Linda Moon One terrible night, around 1982, when it was blowing like hell from the southwest, I was caught on that coast in a floatplane while trying to fly from Marystown to Cornerbrook with two Lundrigan's executives as passengers.. We'd tried to get into St.Albans but the fog was right down on the water in the cut. Finally, after it was dark and options for a safe landing were becoming very limited (I was contemplating a crash landing on the beach. if we'd tried to land at sea the swells would have killed us) I glimpsed the lights of Harbour Breton over a flat stretch of land. We put down in the harbour. A great man named Sandy Hynes, who owned the local hardware store, assisted us magnificently in many ways. He got us a collar (mooring), someone to come out in a boat and pick us up, a place to sleep and a car to get there. As long as I live I'll never forget Harbour Breton and the warmth and kindness of her people. I'd be very proud to be a Newfoundlander if I were you.

[@TheUnclerickie]

John McElwain amazing story. this is what the Newfs do best. Help people. God bless their hearts.

[@plantefitch]

Blessed enough to hear him live, old days, up close-- and well for all of us -- he lives on, ever.

[@lisamillen129]

A beautiful and sad song about a way of life for many Newfoundlander's. Ron Hynes was a gifted story teller. Thank-you Ron. Proud to be of NFLD heritage!

[@soulhealer20]

Thank you Ron Hynes for this song. I found this song through a couple who ran a seafood outlet/restaurant at Discover Harbor in Campbell River on the West Coast. It has become a favorite and many people out here are enjoying it very much. Thanks again.

[@kevinkoloff1030]

He was just here in Chester NS... beautiful, song .. one of the best ever written.. Rest in Peace Ron

[@dcedertra819]

I can't help but cry my eyes out each time I hear this song, Ron was a great performer and writer.

[@TheYvonnerw]

MANY PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE RON WROTE THIS SONG. WHEN HE VISITED IRELAND, THEY ALL THOUGHT THEY HAD WRITTEN THIS SONG

[@LilyMoriarty-v9s]

Didn't know he wrote it in Ireland 🇮🇪☘️

[@ohhgeewee]

I'm a Newfie living far away from home... Here is a message I just sent to a loved one " I think back to the rocking chair in Nan's place. The warmth of the stove, the calm quiet. The air outside so still and yet the ocean softly laping at the shore's smooth stones. Sonny's dream comes to mind"

[@shadowperson3336]

Sorry to hear of his passing today. Stumbled onto him playing a bar in St. John's five years ago. Very real person.

[@reflection95]

I've been listening to The Once's beautiful a cappella cover of this song for years, but it's only today that I looked up the original song, and I'm so glad I did! I've never heard of this guy but he was clearly incredibly talented and passionate. What a beautiful song!

[@TheSaffire8]

Rest in peace Ron,great songs ,Sonny,s Dream my favorite song sang it for many of my friends ,they loved it ,i worked in Cornerbrook many years ago, God bless you man....

[@stephaniebissland8810]

I was so happy to find Ron's music when I visited NFLD in 2005. This is one of my favorites.

[@Bigio1980]

a wonderful song and marvellous lyrics... thank you

[@3753lou]

Was introduced to Ron Hynes late in life...but man does his music resonate with me, got to see him live at Hugh's Room in Toronto. My Leonard Cohen, Jimmy Buffett, John Denver all rolled into one Canadian icon

[@armandolarade7861]

Rest in Peace Ron....your music will live on.

[@royharvey7125]

when did ron die

[@amberpower287]

Roy Harvey November 19 2015 is when Ron Hynes died

[@deniseoneill9695]

@@royharvey7125 followed some of your favs, care to share ur email?

[@johnduravetz2603]

Thanks Ron.... wherever you are now , I do regret your passing . I appreciate your singing and your dedication to music and entertaining us with your voice and feelings through music and song !

[@bbcarmenjohnson1436]

Thanks for your songs RIP

[@OhSusannah63]

We closed down the bar many a Saturday night to every cover band in Halifax back in the 90s singing this tune.I loved it then and I love it now. RIP Ron Hynes.

[@theflabbergasterer8340]

I used to sing this all the time in grade 6 choir six years ago. I couldn't remember the name of the song, or how it went; all I could remember was that it was about a boy named Sonny and his mom. So after some googling I ended up here. The second I heard the first two words it all came back, and I started belting out the song.

[@carlmcnamara5396]

I remember meeting him years ago at a Folk Music Festival,wonderful man and his concert was excellent,he left this world way too soon but his wonderful music lives on

[@Terryclarkester]

Love to see him perform someday, great Newfoundland musician. Love you Ron!

[@johnostrowski9678]

hes dead

[@kharisbell]

Thank you Ron for this song - one of my staple songs for many years. Your star shines bright

[@glitteringmultitude5268]

So incredibly haunting and sad, beautiful and melodic. Fantastic songwriter and singer.

[@lorraineholder9671]

A great singer/songwriter/storyteller - he will be missed by his family, friends, fans and the world. He put up a good fight. God Bless us for having his music in our lives. RIP Ron, keep an eye on this world.

[@DriXXXoN]

Love this song, southern California born New York raised but a Newfoundlander in my heart

[@lunathebudgie2739]

We have witnessed a blessing up close Now all of heaven will see this blessing up close too R.I.P Ron

[@dougmacdonald9603]

Rest in Peace Ron Hynes. Thanks for all the tunes and there must have been "a Thousand Songs" for sure. God Bless you and your family....you will be missed!

[@Abe-u9j]

My cousin Rebecca frome Newfoundland, sent me this song when my daughter was born and told me to make sure she knows her roots. I listen to this with my daughter now on repeat when im up in he middle of the Night with her and we both love it. Thankyou Rebecca ❤

[@joanadey1219]

Such a beautiful song. Will always be my favourite. R.I.P. Ron Hynes.

[@diannebennett7947]

Sonny's Dream is a folk song written by Newfoundlander Ron Hynes[1] in 1976. It was recorded by him on "Living in a Fog" by the Wonderful Grand Band in 1981.[2] The song was heard by Hamish Imlach while on a trip to Canada, who modified it somewhat and played it in folk-clubs in Britain. There it was heard by Christy Moore who recorded it and passed it on to other artists in Ireland.[3] The song is tremendously popular in not only Atlantic Canada,but in some parts of the United States and has been covered by many other artists, including Emmylou Harris, Hayley Westenra, Stan Rogers, Valdy, Allison Crowe, Great Big Sea and Jean Redpath.

[@Wanderingdayo]

Dianne Bennett now "the once" as well

[@MysMystery13]

Dianne Bennett TYSVM 💖

[@nicolelienhart6015]

A very true song to Newfoundlanders. Ron was a talented man...

[@amberpower287]

You don’t need to tell us if we’re listening to it we probably already know it

[@dro7785]

East Coast proud,

[@youngmarie3347]

I been singing since I was a little girl to Newfoundland songs and great song artists like Ron Hynes, Roy payne , eddy coffey , dick Nolan and many many more , I'm proud I come from Newfie and every time I miss home I play Newfoundland songs and it brings me back to the days when nothing mattered except family & friends and when you leave home and gone for years that still stays with you and shapes who you are :) Ty Ron for the enjoyment of songs like sonny\s dream , Love you

[@TheShaneshar]

i can't ever say,how much this Song means to me,All of your music,has touched my heart,but "Sonny"just breaks it..RIP...

[@adambarlow2013]

First time I heard this song was a version by Rolf Harris. I actually thought that the song was written by Rolf! But after failed attempts to find Rolfs version of the song on youtube i came across this and not only found the most difinitive version of the song (because its the orignal) but found the musical genius which is Ron Hynes. Thank You.

[@mychoclabwinston]

A song I always come back to, love it, thank you sir

[@MrComebychance]

God Bless you Ron.Good Artist and a true Gentleman.He will be missed by so many.

[@daralynzwicker4412]

i only heard Ron this last couple of weeks and i think his song are great. he will be missed but he will carry on singing to all our other love one's. enjoy your next life Ron.

[@meghanstone2211]

heaven just gained another angel and a true legend . RIP

[@genestone4430]

Newfoundland classic by one of the Islands favorite sons---always enjoy your singing---wishing you best in your health problems

[@johnduravetz2603]

Thanks Ron...I do appreciate your singing and the feelings it portrays. Listening to you makes one feel closer to Newfoundlanders .

[@lewdite]

I saw Ron Hynes perform in Ferryland many years ago… he was great… he will be missed.

[@ZenrRockStarr]

13 people didn't get this song.... a masterpiece.

[@maggoli67]

+Kevin Hemeon A staple at our performances/sessiuns. Indeed!

[@mikemorbid1752]

+Kevin Hemeon In my opinion, those thirteen people don't recognize a beautiful song when they hear it.

[@richardbirnbaum7382]

Pas vraie. De Chicago.

[@hulmad]

millions of people think Kanye is talented lol no accounting for tastes.

[@duaneday5474]

Yes a masterpiece

[@cesarteves3540]

A great song. Beautiful music and you can feel the hurt and yearning in those lyrics.

[@moseyburns1614]

My uncle Son was a school bus driver and the kids on his bus would sing this to him, he was a good and kind man. He loved his draws and made great oil but I'll always remember the big feeds of fresh roasted stuffed moose heart he'd invite us to after he got his for the season. He gifted me a box set of Terminator 1 and 2 VHSs in the early 90s. He was a good man and I'll never forget him, he passed 20 years ago and sometimes I drive by what used to be his house and get a little choked up, imagining he might be out welding in his garage..

[@a.cornymac1526]

Rest in Peace dear Ron Hynes. You will live on for ever in our memories.... Thank you for all you have done.

[@wild2bill1]

Aeon hynes

[@guidomista7503]

I used to like singing this song in 5th grade. tbh, I liked how my teacher sang it. he was a cool teacher now that I think about it.

[@jilllabbe3548]

funny how years later we reflect .....

[@MsHollylove]

This song makes me cry...beautiful. always stuck in my head...

[@tropicwave1]

Sonny's Dream Ron Hynes Sonny lives on a farm on a wide open space You can take off your shoes and give up the race You could lay down your head by a sweet river bed But Sonny always remembers what it was his Mama said Oh, Sonny don't go away, I am here all alone Your daddy's a sailor who never comes home All these nights get so long and the silence goes on And I'm feeling so tired, I'm not all that strong Sonny carries a load though he's barely a man There ain't all that to do, still he does what he can And he watches the sea from a room by the stairs And the waves keep on rollin', they've done that for years and for years Oh, Sonny don't go away, I am here all alone Your daddy's a sailor who never comes home All these nights get so long and the silence goes on And I'm feeling so tired, I'm not all that strong Sonny's dreams can't be real, they're just stories he's read They're just stars in his eyes, they're just dreams in his head And he's hungry inside for the wide world outside And I know I can't hold him though I've tried and I've tried and I've tried Oh, Sonny don't go away, I am here all alone Your daddy's a sailor who never comes home All these nights get so long and the silence goes on And I'm feeling so tired, I'm not all that strong Oh, Sonny don't go away, I am here all alone Your daddy's a sailor who never comes home All these nights get so long, the silence goes on And I'm feeling so tired, I'm not all that strong Album: Face to the Gale Released: 1997

[@wanboo02]

Wow, thank you very much for the lyrics, Tropicwave1 !

[@ronmacleod714]

This is truly a wonderful song! God Blessed you Ron

[@RobertJohnson-pc9sr]

Brilliant song....my darling wife sings this a many jam sessions. I love it!

[@crumbawart]

Hello Ron, We worked together at the Kings Playhouse where i was Artistic Director. In Addition to your own bit you did the new faces weekly program with me. It was just yesterday that one of my bands 'Thistle' added this beautiful song of your to our repertoire. Good memories, great song and you remain in my recall as an equally great guy. John C

[@TheYvonnerw]

ACTUALLY OUR WAY OF LIFE ISN'T SAD - I AM FROM NEWFOUNDLAND AND HAVE LIVED A RICH AND WONDERFUL LIFE, BUT I DO THINK RON IS ONE OF OUR FINEST

[@amberpower287]

TheYvonnerw greene you are very rude

[@sonoranrain2330]

I agree! I met a lot of Newfoundlanders over the years and without exception each one was the kindest soul you could ever meet. This is a beautiful ballad that touches the soul for eternity. We love you and miss you Ron. MAy you find peace with the Lord

[@jaydurr8513]

he is,and hes the best of what canada can give,,amazing....

[@clydevoutier8456]

@@sonoranrain2330 0

[@carolbernardo9827]

@@amberpower287 I don't see what was rude here, but in the song's defense I think this was from a different time than recent history

[@allan8371]

My hat is off to you Ron. You are among the few.

[@AnonAndOff]

Great concert last night at the Greenwood Lodge, Brown's Yard, Fords Mills, NB, Canada. Maybe 120 people? Jammed packed. :-)

[@jeremygregory8927]

now when i hear this song, it just makes me cry. Rest in Peace Ron... and God bless you.

[@TinyDancer500]

Yeeha! So wonderful to finally have this song presented in all its glory, thank you SO much!

[@roseyspecial]

I feel the same way, been away home 5 years now and I always put on Newfoundland or Celtic songs, then home seem so much closer. Always bring tears to my eyes when I listen to these music, I miss the Rock so much.

[@TheEd1957]

I had the privilege of seeing this gentleman in concert a number of times, each time as great as the last.

[@HIBERNIAN04]

Great song from my namesake. Liam Clancy from my home town of Carrick-on-Suir does a great version too. Its on KZbin also. Great historical ties between Carrick-on-Suir and Newfoundland The Irish Gaelic name for Newfoundland = Talamh an Éisc means "Land of the Fish".

[@fredvanwyck7794]

I agree ,however i just love this song no matter who sings it ....Love your voice Ron ..thank you for such a beautiful and meaningful song !!!!!!!!

[@northerntraveller3180]

Cry my eyes out every time I hear this song. R IP Ron May God Bless

[@johnramsden8760]

To everyone who cant be with tbeir moms on mothers day. This song is for you.

[@TW-ud6sb]

A man with so many talents. His music is special.

[@northerntraveller3180]

I don't know what it is about the song but moves me to tears every time I hear it.

[@SophiasUsername]

Named my new dog ''Sonny'' and we live on a farm! #ProudNewfoundlander

[@blakeyensen2119]

Was in goosebay cleaning up fuel ⛽️ when he passed ...got me through 100 days from home! Gotta love war contamination! Sleep well prayers 🙏 with family!

[@kanjinakatsu2069]

This is a great song. The first time I heard it, it transported me to the Rock. I wish that I could have heard it live.

[@juliemichele22]

You your a great man very good man you have an amazing voice rest in peace

[@MrThomascow]

Thank-you, wonderful video, ☘️☘️Cheers ,.. Love ya dearly! ❤️

[@6924947]

I kept hearing this song in my head all day yesterday. I just found out why today. R.I.P.

[@tiggyspal]

Fantastic! So glad I found this! Thank you for posting it!

[@colauty2598]

Brilliant !! I'm gonna put this on my set list, this is really well put together and sung ! lv it ...

[@barontaylor7139]

In the Valdy and McGinty versions of this song I always hear “You can take off your sneakers and give a grace” instead of “You can take off your sneakers and give up the race”

[@dennisfleming6548]

such a beautiful east coast song

[@RyanSheppard-tq4pg]

Newfoundland

[@thefidgetspinner2007]

Ron hynes is in the Canadian hall of fame, sad how he died so suddenly

[@LeabKnott]

Ron Hynes - the man of a thousand songs , RIP

[@newfie4320]

Sonny lives on a farm in a wide open space Kick off your sneakers and let go the race And you can lay down your head by a sweet river bed But Sonny always remembers what it was his mama said Sonny, don't go away, I am here all alone And your daddy's a sailor who never comes home And the nights are so long and the silence goes on And I'm feelin' so tired, I'm not all that strong Sonny carries a load, though he's barely a man There ain't much to do, yet he does what he can He watches the sea from a room by the stairs The waves keep on rollin', they've done that for years Sonny, don't go away, I am here all alone And your daddy's a sailor who never comes home And the nights are so long and the silence goes on And I'm feelin' so tired, I'm not all that strong It's a hundred miles to town, Sonny's never been there Yet he goes to the highway and stands there and stares And the mail comes at four and the mailman is old But he still keeps his dreams full of silver and gold Sonny, don't go away, I am here all alone And your daddy's a sailor who never comes home And the nights are so long and the silence goes on And I'm feelin' so tired, I'm not all that strong Sonny's dreams can't be real, they're just stories he's read They're just stars in his eyes, they're just dreams in his head Still he longs in his mind for the wild world outside And I know I can't hold him though I've tried And I've tried, and I've tried Sonny, don't go away, I am here all alone And your daddy's a sailor who never comes home And the nights are so long and the silence goes on And I'm feelin' so tired, I'm not all that strong