The Story Behind The Song Danny Boy

Irish singer Cathy Maguire travels to Limavady, Co Derry in Ireland to uncover the real story behind the world wide phenomenon that is the song Danny Boy.
More info at / cathymaguiremusic
****For Cathy Maguire booking enquiries email: [e-mail]
Credits:
Danny Boy, produced by Gabriel Donohue at Cove Island Productions, Philadelphia.
Intro Music by Niamh Parsons. www.niamhparsonsandgrahamdunne.ie
Filmed and produced by Andy Clancy. www.theclancyconnection.com
Music available for purchase on iTunes.
First aired on PBS America. All rights reserved.

[@polabringman5315]

My son Danny was born in 1974. I sang " Danny Boy" to him each evening at bedtime. I still love the song and my son so very much.

[@catmom1322]

This was my dad's favorite song & he sang it all the time. God rest his soul.

[@stevieblue8621]

My dad, from Ireland, always sang Danny Boy, his favourite song as well.

[@litehold1144]

I thought she would explain the lyrics. From what I remember from my grandfather, isn't it about a son who goes off to war? His father is old, and may be dead before he returns. This was one of my Irish grandfather's favorite songs and he sang it absolutely beautifully. My uncle, his only son, died at age 26, and after that he could never sing it again without tears streaming down his face.

[@amandajayne2619]

I was taught the same and I'm 100% Irish.

[@williamhancock8065]

It is about emigration. It is about a son who is leaving and will probably not return during the lifetimes of his parents.

[@vixendoe2545]

My dad told me story he heard about Danny Boy. He loved the celtic songs. He would sing to us on road trips.

[@MrCatfarmer]

My late Mum named me after this song. She is of Irish/Scottish heritage. She’s from the MacDonald clan and my father is from the Pollock clan of Scotland. Mum would always sing this song to me and when ever I hear it, it’s like a video in my head plays back memories of my youth.

[@karenallen1730]

My mother named my brother after this song, too.

[@lizdoyle7158]

Danny is a beautiful name 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟

[@MrCatfarmer]

@@lizdoyle7158 I’ll have to agree with you Liz. 😂🤣😁😁

[@josephburke2345]

This s omg was played at my little brothers funeral and to this day I can't listen to it without tears streaming down my face.

[@jennywaldensi4868]

Used to sing it to my son (nick-named "Danny" as a child). I do the same...cry my eyes out. I've heard the tune with other words - still does it to me.

[@madjayhawk]

This is also a hymn: Above the Hills of Time. Played on a violin at our wedding. It will be played at my funeral.

[@debbiegese9971]

My mother, who played the piano by ear, couldn't read a lick of paper/musical notes, dedicated this song to me years ago and now I know why! And she played like no one heard of today! Her playing this song, is yet to be topped! Her fingers rolled across the keyboard and back, it was unreal and so beautiful!

[@patriciacolombini6567]

Your mom gave you a great spiritual gift. God bless

[@susannabonke8552]

Sweet reminiscence of a dedicated mother. ❣️🌹🌹🌹

[@vickielewallen3799]

So beautiful. We had it played at my mother's funeral, because it was her favorite song all her life. I always think of her (and sometimes cry) when i hear it.

[@Sweetlyfe]

My Mum always sang this song, I always think of her too whenever I hear it. Such a beautiful song.

[@colleeninprayer1498]

I named my first child a son Daniel and my mother in law gave me this song for him. Brings tears to my eyes when ever I hear it. 💖🇦🇺

[@dannyhughes4177]

My mother named me Danny, not Daniel, and called me her little Danny Boy. As she grew older, I took pride in being her Danny Boy. Now that she has passed, I still proudly tell people that I was and always be her Danny Boy.

[@judimorris2220]

I am a Hughes & was raised by Grandparents both from Ulster. I am always searching for possible relatives.

[@dannyhughes4177]

@@judimorris2220 Wow! I've always been told that I had Irish heritage, then other's have said that Hughes is Welsh. I can trace my Hughes lineage 3 or 4 generations back here in the foothills of the appalachian mountains in north Georgia.

[@judimorris2220]

@@dannyhughes4177 My Grandfather also told me it was a Welsh name, but his family, I can't say for how many generations were from Londonderry. His father was a gardener on a very large estate. Ancestry records confirm it. What country are you in? I always hated the name Hughes when I was young because I never knew anybody with that name until I learned about Howard Hughes. As a teenager, I always wanted to write him & tell him we were related. Ha ha. I knew I was half Irish and only this week have learned I have Metis & Assinnaboine not very far back. I had always pretended I was Princess Morning Star from the Howdy Doody Show..ha ha

[@dannyhughes4177]

@@judimorris2220 I'm in the United States, northern part of the state of Georgia. My grandfather said that we supposedly had descended from the Black Dutch. When I researched, Black Dutch is not a race, but a group of coal miners on the coast of wales. They were people who were short in stature and swarthy skinned, a lot of that being from the coldest ground into their skin.

[@siobhanburke5321]

@@dannyhughes4177 l l play

[@Michele-xm6co]

My dad used to sing this song when I was little and growing up. He sang it beautifully. I still can't listen to the song without thinking of him. And crying.

[@suziq8649]

I'M 70 THIS SONG HAS ALWAYS TOUCH MY HEART EVEN WHEN I WAS A CHILD!!!!!

[@ricdonato4328]

SuziQ, typing in all caps indicates YELLING and SCREAMING! All caps is considered very bad forum etiquette and highly frowned upon. Also, all caps is much more difficult reading than lower case letters. Cordially.

[@laurencelance586]

Whenever I hear this I think of my son, and tears drip down my face.

[@lesleybridson1864]

My husband who has passed, his mother sang this sang to him in 1945 it has never left me!

[@danielcoetzee5793]

This song was very popular during WW11 and the years following. Several artists recorded it. It was playing or the radio one night in 1957 when I was born. My mother named me "Daniel" after this song.....! My mother's sister was married to an Irishman and as a young boy I listened to him singing this song with so much feeling and compassion that sent chills down my spine. God bless, Uncle Paddy (1974); Aunt Rose (2009); Mother (2014). May you rest in peace.

[@Khanucd]

I am originally from Pakistan, and I came to Ireland 18 years ago for my degree in computer science from UCD. My initial plan was to finish my degree and then go home, but the beauty of the land and people got stuck in my head, and here I am after 18 years with our three beautiful kids, a wonderful wife, bough my house and working in a great Irish software company. LOVE IRELAND and Irish people.

[@eugeneduff846]

I am glad that it worked out for you 👍😁

[@Khanucd]

@@eugeneduff846 Thanks Sir

[@colleeninprayer1498]

How wonderful 🇦🇺

[@larrykaufman8100]

An Irish blessing upon you and your family!

[@Khanucd]

@@larrykaufman8100 Go raibh maith agat

[@paulamullally8384]

Was my grandfather's favourite song to sing to us, specially if he had a few pints of Guiness and a whiskey chaser or 2, he would cry from start to finish and I'd watch the tears roll down his face as he sang his irish heart out 🥰🇮🇪💚

[@lydialily846]

Awww Paula , that’s so bittersweet, God love him ...

[@paulamullally8384]

@Lydia Lily it really was u could feel the emotions he was feeling we absolutely loved it and him of course, thank u and God bless 💚☘

[@lydialily846]

@@paulamullally8384 You are so welcome 🙏. Thank God for the memories though ... 💐☘️☘️

[@whellockroad]

Ah, bless you, Paula. Many's the summer Sunday afternoon, my mother's 7 brothers, wives, and kids would come to our old farm in southern Wisconsin. We'd sit around the lawn, the beer and whiskey would flow, followed by song and verse. A lovely saying from Yeats comes to mind, "Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy which would sustain him through temporary periods of joy."

[@lydialily846]

@@whellockroad I love that beautiful picture you’ve painted , it sounds absolutely idyllic & you are blessed to have those cherished memories... Stay safe ... If there’s Irish ☘️ in your blood then even better ...

[@kristinheath9723]

So beautiful. I always cry when I hear it and I don't even know why

[@Deejaay83urj38]

Thats What Celtic music does Kristen. A direct path to the soul

[@kristinheath9723]

@@Deejaay83urj38 that's beautiful

[@guynorth3277]

@@Deejaay83urj38l These same folks are responsible for the Wheel of the Year, the Solar Calendar starting with the Yule!

[@VocalEdgeTV]

Yup same

[@patriciacolombini6567]

God gave us this gift . It feeds our soul the love 💕 and compassion that the world cannot give us. Amen O hat the world cannot give us. Amen

[@RobertSJHu]

Aloha to Cathy Maguire !!!! Thanks so very much for the real story behind this blessed song "Danny Boy." As a teenager I loved this song and message of life and living !!!! Today, am now 79 years old and I continue to enjoy this iconic song that touches my heart and soul !!!!!! Am most grateful, Robert S.J. Hu April 11, 2021.

[@artmcpharlin6730]

The song clearly tells the story, just listen, as it is beautiful, sad and true love of a father for his sons.

[@danielcunningham5940]

When I was a child so long ago, the 13th of 14 children in a Catholic Irish family in Ontario, Canada they kind of forgot about me since the baby, the 14th had to have all the attention. I remember Irish songs playing on the old record player sometimes. When I would hear Danny Boy it made me cry because it seemed to me this was the only beautiful thing in my life and the only thing that belonged to me. Now at 73 y.o. I still cry. It seems others cry because it is heart-breaking to think of someone that was loved so much and would never be seen again. For me it is about the love that I never had. But I still have the song and it is still the most beautiful thing in my world.

[@semforever1]

One day in heaven you'll realize all the love you've missed. Hope you were able to spread a little love yourself. There's still time.

[@danielcunningham5940]

@@semforever1 Thank you for the kind words.

[@yvonnejohnson772]

your family loved you I came from a large family not as big as yours but we all loved each might not off shown it but we knew it just think of things they did and said and you will go oh yes they did love me

[@tamieheadrick8786]

Hang in there Daniel your loved

[@mariemiller8740]

Hard with a big family, sorry that was your experience, hopefully your own family made up for that.God bless I'm sure your parents didn't realise that

[@brianmccarthy5557]

My father's name was Daniel. He died young suddenly. Years later when his widow, my mother died, I had "Danny Boy" sung at her funeral before they were buried together.

[@JamesSims]

What a loving and tender thing to know about this exquisite piece and your family. Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelgebauer5235]

A touching story. Thanks for sharing

[@carriesmith438]

Lovely

[@higherandhigher5848]

How beautifully sung by Cathy.

[@jt.s.7418]

The most beautiful version and her voice is like an Angel

[@doeharris5363]

This is my favourite song of all time and you sang it like an angel, so very very beautiful. I am of Irish descent my parents were from northern Ireland and quite soon l will make my first visit. X. 🙋🙋🙋🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@LIT70]

One of the most beautiful and haunting melodies ever.

[@janinafisher101]

I couldn't agree more!

[@suatwahtan8658]

me too😍🥲

[@robertorourke6614]

This is my favourite song Cathy, & I Have literally heard almost all versions of it being sung & I can honestly say your singing of it is the best & most authentically sung version , giving the best interpretation of both melody & words, for you not only sing like an angel, you look like one, beautiful & true . my spirit was moved & entralled, be happy.

[@patryan2458]

Cathy is lovely - and even more lovely without the lipstick in my humble opinion.

[@grandcatsmama3421]

Thank you for this video. My late husband's name was Dana and his father would sing Danny boy to him. He loved this song and so do I.

[@ChristopherHarle41048]

Informative video showing some of Ireland's beauty, and the history of this haunting song. Cathy is a true Irish mná (woman) with a lovely voice. Thanks.

[@wsr.sr.3619]

One of my late fathers favorite Irish songs. Although I've heard many a version of Danny Boy this is my favorite. Cathy Maguire hits it out of the park so very beautiful...

[@josephwells8699]

My Late father who played the piano by ear, played Danny Boy many times when I was growing up. It is a very moving song, and when my father played it I am sure he was thinking of his Irish roots. Sadly he was never able to visit Ireland, but I have been twice and plan to go again.

[@mariatracieb]

So now I know the story behind this beautiful song I have ALWAYS loved great piece of Irish history x

[@mommom6637]

Always loved this song,even as a little girl. The melody and word's go right to hearts and souls.....Thank you...USA.

[@wernerotti6712]

This is my absolute favorite song - I've been on stage for 41 years now and have sung countless world hits, but Danny Boy is obsolete the most beautiful song! Thanks for the wonderful contribution! Ireland is uniquely beautiful! Greetings from Austria / Carinthia

[@patriciacolombini6567]

Thank God 🙏 the gift of this ballad was given to someone. The music and lyrics come directly from an irish angel 😇 in heaven. Our souls gets fed some irish bliss,!!! Erin go brah ☺️😅😅 hugs

[@georgebarnes8163]

@@patriciacolombini6567 The ballad is English not Irish, written by English lawyer Fredrick Weatherly who never set foot in Ireland.

[@richardcray2919]

@@georgebarnes8163 the melody is irish that an English man tried to rip off..like the girl said he wrote the words for another song but it didn't work..puts an old irish melody to it and bingo..then the English try to claim it..at least simple minds gave kudos for Belfast child from ..she moved thru the fair...Danny boy is nothing without the irish melody..

[@georgebarnes8163]

@@richardcray2919 The Londonderry Air is credited to Jane Ross, she was Scottish not Irish.

[@richardcray2919]

@@georgebarnes8163 keep dreaming georgie boy

[@johnwoulfe3118]

This has to be the best rendition of Danny Boy ever with the history behind the song. Thank you Cathy. 💚🇮🇪🍀

[@MrDancampbell60]

Beautiful song and a beautiful lady with a voice that melts your heart. (I am a "Danny")

[@lanslay7342]

Absolutely awesome and very well done!!!🇱🇷🇱🇷✝️✝️👏👏👍👍👍🌹🌹🌹🌹❤️💕💓💗

[@brendadrew834]

This beautiful lyrical song always brings tears to this composer's eyes! Many Irish/Scottish and English folk songs have influenced my own music including a New England folk opera. I was only in lovely Ireland for 50 minutes of my 70 years as a stopover at Shannon Airport on my way to continental Europe! Never forgot it, was magical even at the airport! Hope to get back someday, but even if I don't part of my Irish heritage is always there in spirit! Thanks for sharing~

[@kathleendunham4821]

My ex- husband was named Danny after this song. My mother named me Kathleen after the old ballad 'I'll take you home again,Kathleen' I cry when hearing both songs.

[@kathleenaltherr6836]

Oh, lovely. My dad's father is an O'Mooney and his mom a Burke. They came to Ellis Island as young children. My dad would sing that to me (a Kathleen) when he played the organ. It makes me cry too. They're all gone now but my memories, thank goodness, are still with me.

[@markuk7935]

You are both blessed with your given names. Both lovely songs. Take care.

[@sapphirerain70]

I was named Kathleen also, and my mother had a son who died of sids named Danny. I later named my son after my brother ❤️🦋

[@sapphirerain70]

Forgot to add my grandmother Sang I’ll take you home again Kathleen all the time to me.it was actually only a few year’s ago I watched to video with lyrics to it. It made me cry so much❤️

[@Minime163]

My granny used to sing it's a long way to tipperary

[@robertorourke6614]

Danny boy has always been my favourite song. I,'ve heard nearly every popular singer sing it & in all case's Cathy something was always missing in its deliverance , portrayal, & timbre, & that was you Cathy. your feeling & expression was the best I have ever heard, I need look no more for other versions , you have elated my heart & soul.

[@rogers531]

I love playing this on my guitar and also on the harmonica. Most wonderful piece...

[@QueerAndUnplugged]

I can't help but seriously tear up whenever I hear this song. Waterfalls...really.

[@QuantumLeap83]

My grandma used to sing me this song. Excuse me while I go and look for who's been cutting onions in here.

[@anneloughran3739]

Lovely song

[@TheRailroaddan]

The pipes have been calling me for years and some of those tunes bring forth heart felt tears.

[@kangfuciuskangfucius5490]

The most angelic voice I've ever heard. Hauntingly beautiful.

[@lindacook6709]

Agree 100%. L

[@Annur375]

Danny Boy is definitely one of the world's favorite songs. It is just lovely, thanks for sharing.

[@jma8352]

you know you have a blessed voice when it brings memories of mom and tears...thank you God bless...

[@pj2skis]

This is an interesting story about the development of the music for the song "Danny Boy", but it says nothing about the meaning of the words. People wonder about such strange words in what is essentially a love song. Actually, it is a love song, but not the love between a young lady and a young man, but rather, the love of a father for his son, who is going off to war.

[@fairygodmomma2313]

Oh my, now it means even more to me. My brother Danny who died of covid 2 years ago, also was a Vietnam vet. When he returned, he was never the same. Part of the child in him truly died. Thank you for explaining this about Danny boy.

[@mariaelizabeth6066]

I watched the video to know what I got from your comment not the video itself lol thanks for answering the question :)

[@georgebarnes8163]

The song was actually based upon the death of the writers (Fredrick Weatherly) son who was not killed in war, the lyrics were changed from the original he wrote called Eily Dear (the writers wife), the song is English not Irish by the way.

[@lorrainedsouza2808]

@@georgebarnes8163 could you please tell us more. All of us had dad's and older brothers who would sing this song which very often ended in tears, and now those memories can still reduce us to tears!!

[@georgebarnes8163]

@@lorrainedsouza2808 The Melody is called the Londonderry Air which was itself a song that is seldom heard nowadays , the most recent use of the melody was the Song "You Raise Me Up". LONDONDERRY AIR Would God I were the tender apple blossom That floats and falls from off the twisted bough, To lie and faint within you silken bosom, Within your silken bosom as that does now! Or would I were a little burnish'd apple For you to pluck me, gliding by so cold, While sun and shade you robe of lawn will dapple, Your robe of lawn, and you hair's spun gold. Yea, would to God I were among the roses That lean to kiss you as you float between, While on the lowest branch a bud uncloses, A bud uncloses, to touch you, queen. Nay, since you will not love, would I were growing, A happy daisy, in the garden path; That so your silver foot might press me going, Might press me going even unto death.

[@bryanprice2786]

Such a beautiful song, thank you 😊

[@otiebrown9999]

Always brings tears to my eyes! When I think of my parents.

[@sherrymcmullin1914]

Why do most of us think of our parents when we hear this? I for one, miss my parents so deeply. I long to see them and others who have departed. They were my rock. I’m older now, 70, and I wonder what songs will remind my children of me. Maybe the Beatles ‘In My Life’ There are places I remember, all my life though some have changed, ... google the beautiful lyrics❣️

[@VivianSmiling]

Thank you for the story! Love the singing of Cathy! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💕💕💕

[@maureennewman905]

Love this , played it at my dads funeral, he loved it , my Aunt Theresa always sang it at family gatherings

[@jpathak6227]

I was there in county Kerry with my wife back in 2009 and we happen to stop by a pub and there was an old man singing this beautiful song. We did not leave the pub till the wee hours of the morning. Ireland and Irish people are beautiful. Made us feel at home in their home.

[@danielthomas3333]

J Pathak And not averse to shooting their neighbours in the kneecap if they have a different religion

[@lanceroberthough1275]

@N. Smith he never said it came out from Kerry. Troll. Briseadh agus brú ort.

[@lanceroberthough1275]

@@danielthomas3333 what do you know about it? You've not seen it, and don't know sheit, apparently. Up the RA.

[@danielthomas3333]

Lance Robert Hough I had close friends that fled the Emerald Isle to get away from it all. Not to mention the news was full of accounts of the ‘troubles’ And I lived just a hop skip and a jump across the Irish Sea. If you had read my comment carefully you would have noticed that I made no reference to who was right and who was wrong. The Irish have been treated shabbily by the English, but they have not been too tolerant of each other either. Arguably, the Welsh and Scottish haven’t been treated a whole lot better, except they chose to deal with it in a different way.

[@kennyross3890]

@N. Smith no such place as Co derry its Londonderry Co Londonderry shez irish Londonderry is in Ulster NI GB UK Wat wood the irish no about our songs

[@SEW_B]

Thanks for the story and, Ms Maguire, you have a most lovely voice!

[@harrycoyle4529]

The Derry Aire,😲 what an amazing, amusing play on words, and Ms. Maguire delivers it with a straight face

[@sandyfrost2109]

My favorite that stirs my celtic soul and brings back visions in my mind of my one and only chance to step foot on that beautiful emerald isle.

[@cmm2145]

This is my favorite song. My favorite singer of all time, Jim Reeves, was one of those who recorded it.

[@trashpanda9615]

cmmahoney21 have you ever hear bing crosby sing it

[@cmm2145]

Lucy Pevensie - No, I haven’t. I’ve heard other people besides Jim Reeves sing it, but I always go back to his version because that’s where my childhood memories are.

[@gregparry5632]

@@cmm2145 Roy Orbison sings a long version of it with the philharmonic orchestra that will make you weep!!!!

[@cmm2145]

@@gregparry5632 - Thanks for letting me know! Do you know where I could find it?

[@mickkennedy5321]

Each time i hear it a tear comes in my eye it reminds me of my dad a native of county sligo i had it played at this funeral 12 years ago i still miss him bless you dad

[@patriley9449]

Beautiful song sung perfectly by a lovely lady. Thanks for the history lesson.

[@jeannotnowrhankyoumckenzie4268]

I .. to, cry very much when hearing this lovely song. I lost my dearest son. After a long time painful cancer. He

[@mahumike7531]

O baby Im so sorry. All my love

[@user-ce2wz2ki6z]

turns out , he came and told her ‘you’re better than what you thought’ you are the mother of all stars

[@jamesnixon2243]

Some beautiful scenery, I "wish" I could afford to go there.

[@MrOneillrobin]

I've lived in Limavady most of my life, but those snow-covered mountains, and the lake with the boats on, are not in the Limavady area.....

[@retroactivejealousy-worldl1805]

In my days as a guide on the open-top bus tours round Bath I used to point out Fred Wetherby’s historic home to tourists several times a day

[@retroactivejealousy-worldl1805]

I must confess that I used to torment my Irish passengers with this lol

[@dangedolvarmint5469]

Thank you Miss Maguire. I love that song. And you are sure a treat for my old tired eyes.

[@NolaGB]

Never ever fails ... I hear "Danny Boy" or other Irish music and I tear up. Happens every single time!!!

[@snowyowel7961]

You have a good heart bless you 💕

[@NolaGB]

@@snowyowel7961 Thank you, Snowy Owel. Always makes me cry and so, where am I?? Yeah, listening again. I"m Irish on one side of my family, but don't know which. Think my Dads. I would so love to visit that beautiful country, but I'm an old woman now and doubt that could happen. Anyway, thank you.

[@snowyowel7961]

@@NolaGB Being old is not being dead live your life till the last saviour it all, if you are fit enough and can get the money together go , I love Irish music and Danny boy is beautiful ,, Though when I grow to old to dream is another sad song it always gets me ..💕

[@sandyharlow5367]

I love "Danny Boy" so very very much. It has always been in my life as my Irish Great-Grandmother sang this to me when I was a baby and on..Thank you for this wonderful story of the song, Cathy.....I love hearing this song sung by my favorite of all singers, Meav. ...

[@danielkinney6325]

SANDY HARLOW what is the singers name that is signing the woman?

[@andysoler1892]

What a beautiful song but did Dannyboy ever returned to his home ?

[@danielflaherty1661]

My mother used to sing this song to me every night when I was a child and I would give the world if she could sing this song to me today.

[@dangraham9741]

that song has a broad dimension that blends alsorts of longings and desires that comes from the human imagination , hence the appreciation that is expressed towards it . ireland has a very deep history of course .

[@billymiller4586]

I learned that song when is was 2 , 3 4 yr old through my Granny, 56 now & it still swells my eye's.. I find myself walking the dog singing Danny boy to myself.

[@jk3838]

The most popular interpretation of the song’s meaning, is that of a father, who’s beloved son Danny is going off to war, and telling him that he must return, and that when he does, if he himself has died, he won’t rest in peace until he ‘feels’ his son’s safe return to his grave side and ‘hears’ his son’s Ave (Hail Mary) for his father and that his son loves him

[@SandfordSmythe]

Another version refers to the many young men who left Ireland for a better life in America.

[@mdensham]

That what i was told but it was a mother

[@rolandscales9380]

The English lawyer Frederick Wetherly who wrote the lyrics, (Along with "Roses of Picardy" and "The Holy City") was probably the only person who could say with any certainty.

[@thomaselliott2755]

Jimmy McCurry was indeed the blind fiddlers name, and Jane Ross paid him the princely sum of 1 florin to keep playing it as she wrote it down. The proper name of the tune was O'Cahans Lament, and coincidentally, it was composed in the 1600s by a blind harpist called Rory Dall O'Cahan. The tune was said to have been written in anger by O'Cahan after the confiscation of the O'Cahan lands by the English Planters. According to legend, Rory Dall O'Cahan had some assistance in writing the lament. He is said to have fallen asleep in a hollow, when the Fairy Folk came him in a dream they played such a beautiful tune that he couldn't get it out of his head and thereafter he played it. Maybe a few too many drinks brought the Fairy Folks to that Hollow, but the tune was his all the same. Credit must go to not only the actual composer, Rory Dall O'Cahan, but also to those musicians like Jimmy McCurry who preserved it over generations, as indeed did Jane Ross...

[@suzannephillips6236]

Beautiful history here, thanks!

[@dianawilliams3148]

Thank you Thomas.. It's lovely to know the history on such beautiful music.. Blessings from South Wales

[@jobob47]

thanks for the info. I had the pleasure to travel in Ireland back in 1971. every shade of green and then some.

[@merrick6484]

How nice to know the background history. Best wishes to you from Taiwan.

[@rkbl87]

The lead up to the history told in the greatest mini-series ever (imo) Against the Wind, more haunting music. I finally located a copy (playable in U.S.) and was able to see it again. Just as great as the 1st time. Great way to learn history.

[@EMAG513]

Our family favorite while growing up in the Philippines. Dad played the trumpet, I played the piano and my brother sang this hauntingly beautiful song.

[@barneyrubbles2485]

oh yes to every funeral I have been to that lovely music is played again and of course the last 1 I was at my bar.inlaw and his name was danny.

[@PikaChu-kj4ms]

Even though I'm from india but i cry non stop while listening to this song, it's impossible for me to listen full song without crying

[@mah96]

I will always love this song as it's my son's name and he is gone home to be with the Lord

[@zoe1972]

Fred Weatherly had written these lyrics before 1912, but after his sister in Colorado sent him this tune, he set the lyrics to this tune. The word sound like it's an old person saying goodbye to a young man who is being called to war with the feeling that they will never see him again before he returns. To anyone who's interested here are the lyrics to this beautiful but sad song: O Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling From glen to glen and down the mountainside. The summer's gone and all the roses falling. 'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide. But come ye back when summer's in the meadow, Or all the valley's hushed and white with snow. 'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow. O Danny Boy, O Danny Boy, I love you so. When winter's come and all the flow'rs are dying, And 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. But I shall hear, though soft you tread above me, And all my grave shall warmer, sweeter be. And you will bend and tell me that you love me; And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me.

[@robinchurch5658]

My grandfather Karl Church had a beautiful tenor voice and this was one of his favorite songs to sing. One of my sweetest memories as a young girl is accompanying him on the piano to the original Fred Wetherly sheet music that is one of my prized possessions. I still tear up every time I hear it, especially since I discovered our Hogg ancestors (name was changed to Church in Vermont in 1803) were from County Derry.

[@tonymurphy6227]

Cathy's version of this song I beautiful, thanks for posting, and thanks for your wonderful singing Cathy.

[@Marlondurran]

Cracking song and cracking wee girl singing!!!

[@bettysutton8136]

Truly a beautiful interpretation of a very well known Irish song.

[@bengunn3698]

@Sweetpea But the words are ENGLISH.

[@PatrickKelly-lz3pv]

@@bengunn3698 and written by a Englishman

[@carolecarr5210]

Lovely. A great moment in my life was watching my neighbor Mr. Murphy sing Danny Boy to his 6 week old son Danny being held next to him while my Mother played that beautiful tune.

[@zoe1972]

Fred Weatherly had written these lyrics before 1912, but after his sister in Colorado sent him this tune, he set the lyrics to this tune. The word sound like it's an old person saying goodbye to a young man who is being called to war with the feeling that they will never see him again before he returns. To anyone who's interested here are the lyrics to this beautiful but sad song: O Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling From glen to glen and down the mountainside. The summer's gone and all the roses falling. 'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide. But come ye back when summer's in the meadow, Or all the valley's hushed and white with snow. 'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow. O Danny Boy, O Danny Boy, I love you so. When winter's come and all the flow'rs are dying, And 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. But I shall hear, though soft you tread above me, And all my grave shall warmer, sweeter be. And you will bend and tell me that you love me; And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me.

[@yvonnemitchell9039]

The first time I heard Danny Boy is when it was sang by Jackie Wilson...beautiful rendition.

[@MikeEgypte]

Hey, I came for the title--I stayed (and subscribed) for the voice!

[@anakinvader9120]

I cant be the only one who absolutely melts when I hear Irish girls speaking. Love their accent so much. Beautiful gals

[@chazvalvo2840]

Perfect perfection perfectly performed. Love it. Thank you very much for the history of the song and privilege of hearing you sing it. Peace Always cv.

[@elizabethhestevold1340]

Beautiful ❤️😍 To an old friend gone. 🇺🇸🇩🇰🌬️🦅

[@tamararutland-mills8883]

I always wondered what the background to this song was about, and I'm still wondering after watching this.

[@LyraKeltica61]

Finally someone with brains that work. Read PJ Pascals statement above or Adam Simmons.

[@sl.8646]

😭😭😭😭😭😭🎤🎶🎶

[@jennyrose9454]

It's about a parent who is old hoping they are still alive when their son returns from the war. The pipes called young men to war.

[@hawthornetree646]

@Tamara: Thanks I won’t bother watching. I will say that the song is so sad I can hardly bear to even listen to it.

[@valdaburke2930]

S.L.W. o

[@nancyc.929]

My Uncle Tom turned me on to this song when I was a kid!! He was so proud of his Irish heritage,I miss him so!

[@riskyananda8736]

Well my father name is danny...and he has been calling by my grandfather as "DANNY BOY"...he is the one who introduce me this lovely song..☺️☺️☺️

[@christinethornhill]

My dear old Grandfather used to sing this beautiful song with a passion . My lovely Grandmother would patiently listen and sigh . He would also give a great rendition of ' I'll take you home again , Kathleen ' , but Granny would mutter ' for the lords' sake , hurry up and get her there ' , I guess it's these magic moments we remember the best , I'm into my own 70s now , but it still feels just as special 👵🏼❤️

[@vagabondslot-machine8832]

♥

[@christinethornhill]

Davy Reid Thank you , Davy , much appreciated ❤️

[@pwb0511]

You did a wonderful job on this miss, thanks so much!

[@judyvaughn761]

I have a younger brother named Danny and I always love that song Oh Danny Boy it was just so great I never knew the lyrics all the way through but I listen to them today and I love this song

[@michellebiland5163]

Beautiful song. Thank you so much for this video explaining the history of this amazing, moving song. 😚💖

[@cynthiaarons9373]

My favourite song!!! Always gets me emotional! Thank you,

[@bobbywilson8759]

IT'S THE KIND OF SONG THAT WILL DO THAT BUT HEAR IT MAKES YOU DAYDREAMING LIKE YOUR THERE

[@alcoleman5261]

Makes me want to visit Ireland.

[@sandragreen9560]

Go !! You will love it !!

[@jorgejohnson451]

I like it when the singer annunciates the lyrics more clearly. That way the meaning and mood of the song is easier to follow.

[@TheBananaDeanna]

Absolutely loved it! Love the history, and the song beautifully perfect!

[@bobbywilson8759]

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL SONG I 💘 IT JUST SITTING HERE LISTEN TO IT MAKES YOU WANT TO HEAR IT AGAIN

[@kathleenparr7401]

My Mother's Favorite Song... My Dad Would Sing to Her!

[@janpiet4740]

This is a song about a boy who goes off to war and leaves everything he loves behind. The pipes are the musicians who proceed the army.

[@scottsusandehaan8351]

Thank you

[@CarolynKay]

Bagpipes, probably.

[@allyraymond9483]

I heard it was about a father who had sent his first two sons to war, and now had to send his youngest, Danny.

[@georgebarnes8163]

@@allyraymond9483 the song was written by Fredrick Weatherly upon the death of his son who was called Daniel, the lyrics were altered from Weatherlys original song titled Eily Dear.

[@robertorourke6614]

I have practically heard every version of this song, My favourite song , alongside , IF I loved you, But this is the definitive version I have aways heard within my spirit bur never without, until now. Cathy has the sweetest most beautiful voice, its her soul singing, thats probably whyit touches me so much, she could be the mother of all men,such is her aluring nature, She has sang before the earth was born & she will sing forever, there was never a time when she did not exist & there will never be a time when she wont. God has blessed you Cathy.

[@tommymcallister9585]

Danny boy was my mother's favorite song, thanks for the origin of the song, it's so beautiful but haunting at the same time