It has been decades since ‘Oh Danny Boy’ was written, but the song still has sentimental value, continuing to stir up emotions in the Irish Nation. While many Irish people resonate with the song, with some going as far as considering it a national piece, Oh Danny Boy was written by an English lawyer named Frederic Weatherly in 1910.
After the English lawyer wrote the lyrics of the song, his sister-in-law sent him a tune named Londonderry Air. With the tune in place, the lawyer could tweak his lyrics and ensure they were up to par with the tune. They’re various theories about the origin of the tune Londonderry Air. Some speculate that a lady named Jane Ross heard a woman singing the tune in 1851.
Ross went on to ask the woman if she could transcribe the song for her friend in Dublin who was trying to learn more about Ireland’s ancient music. Back to Oh Danny Boy, the song has varied meanings to it. Let’s look at some of the interpretations in detail.
What is the meaning behind the song “Danny Boy” by Daniel O’Donnell
Most people believe the song was about a parent talking to a son. In the song, the parent wishes his son returns from war. This is seen in the section where the song sours up high, ‘come ye back,’ which depicts the hopeful nature of the parent coming back.
Others resonated with the song, saying that it was about the Irish who were abroad since they were displaced in Ireland. Most say it’s a song crying for home, but it can resonate with a place or a person.
James Mayrock, a film director, who directed the film around Danny boy, has some reservations about the song. He suggested that the song has a huge cultural impact in fundamentally tapping into their emotions and experiences. The film director believed the song was about departure, loss, and death.
More importantly, it’s an uplifting song that gives hope for a possible reunion between the departed.
Inspiration for Oh Danny Boy
Surprisingly, Danny Boy was written by an Englishman in the United States after being inspired by the tune Londonderry Air, which was sent to him by his sister-in-law, Margaret. Where did Margaret find the tune?
The tune was being played on the international stage of Colorado, and it stuck to her. She immediately had to find its origin and then send it to her brother-in-law immediately. Once Frederic Weatherly had the tune, he immediately loved it and changed the lyrics of Danny Boy to fit this tune.
Weatherly wanted the song to blow up; he wanted everyone to listen to his song. Therefore, he gave it to Elsie Griffin, a fantastic vocalist who didn’t disappoint in making the song among the popular choices during that era. One Ernestine Schumann-Heink recorded Danny Boy in 1918, with the original version having four verses. However, two more verses were added to the song, making most recordings have six verses.
The History of the Londonderry Air
Historically, Londonderry Air was recorded by Jane Ross. It’s depicted that a blind man named Jimmy McCurry would sit on the streets of Limavady and play beautiful melodies in an attempt to collect coppers. Since he was an Irish man, he played melodies that resonated with traditional Irish ballads.
Coincidentally, McCurry set up his work area opposite Jane Ross’s house. He played a particular tune that took his attention of Jane. She noted the tune down as she was passionate about collecting melodies. Ross then gave the tune to George Petrie to publish Londonderry Air in 1955 in the Ireland music book.
Sadly, Jane didn’t mention McCurry, who was the original orchestra of the tune.
Meaning Behind the Song Oh Danny Boy
When broken down, the songs portray a ballad of pain and beauty – a reason why it’s one of the most recognizable melodies to date. The first lyrics recount “The pipes,” which talks about the bagpipes being played. To the British Army, this referred to a call of arms. It was a ubiquitous sound to anyone who knew the war was coming.
In the third line, the singer states that the summer is gone, and the roses are falling. People who had foreseen what the war brought and the inevitability of death understand this is a nostalgic feeling. On the other hand, Summer and Spring often symbolize youth and childhood, Autumn represents maturity, and Winter symbolizes death.
Summer ending represented parents having to watch their grown-up kids emigrate, something that was very common in Ireland. It’s also a bittersweet moment as the kid no longer requires the safety of their home and family and starts life’s journey toward a better life.
Finally
What makes this song unique and popular is the fact that it’s easy and open to interpretation. It’s one of those songs that will easily evoke passionate emotions and has a different meaning to different people. We.ve all, at one time in our lives, experienced the loss of a loved and to us, the experience will forever be unique. Just like this song.
Lyrics “Danny Boy” by Daniel O’Donnell
Oh Danny BoyThe pipes, the pipes are callingFrom glen to glen and down the mountain sideThe summer’s goneAnd all the flowers are dying‘Tis you, ’tis you must goAnd I must bideBut come ye back when summer’s in the meadowOr when the valley’s hushedAnd white with snow‘Tis I’ll be here in sunshine or in shadowOh Danny Boy, oh Danny BoyI love you soAnd if ye comeWhen all the flowers are dyingIf I am deadAs deadI well may beYou’ll come and findThe place where I am lyingYou’ll kneel and say an Ave there for meAnd I shall hearThough softYou tread above meAnd all my graveWill warmer, sweeter beThen you will kneelAnd whisper that you love meAnd I shall sleep in peace until youCome to me
