Josephine Cameron: Music

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• MP3 short clip, lo-fi play (modem)

Americans adopted this touching song during World War I when it was performed by countless popular musicians (including Bing Crosby!) and it has been a well-loved standard ever since. It is played on St. Patrick’s Day, and requested at almost every concert or session where traditional Irish music is played. And yet, there is a large population in Ireland who have never heard of it. The origins of “Danny Boy” are actually something of a mystery. The words were written in 1910 by Frederick Weatherly, an English lawyer. And while it is possible that the tune was derived from an old Irish ballad, there is some research that points to a composer named Rory Dall O’Cahan who lived in Scotland for many years. The tune, at any rate, is very old, probably originating circa 1600. Despite the murky lineage, “Danny Boy” has become an almost universal anthem of unwavering devotion. The haunting melody and heartbreaking story of loss are still relevant now, and will probably continue to be for all time.

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 flowers are dying
‘Tis you ‘tis you, must go and I must bide

But come you back when summer’s in the meadow
Or when the valley’s hushed and white with snow
‘Tis I’ll be there in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny Boy, oh Danny Boy, I love you so

And if you come when all the flowers 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

And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me
And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be
If you will not fail to tell me that you love me
Then I simply sleep in peace until you come to me