Danny Boy
Music File
Barry Taylor

Information
Lyrics
According to some legends, the tune was possibly composed by Rory Dall O'Cahan in the 1600's. These words were written by Frederick Edward Weatherly in 1913. According to The Fireside Book of American Folk Songs the first words set to the music were those of Londonderry Air. Thomas Moore (1770-1852) also wrote a set of lyrics to the tune (My Gentle Harp).

The most complete information as to Danny Boy's origins are by Michael Robin, at The Danny Boy Trivia Collection.

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 ye back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
'Tis I'll be here 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, tho' soft you tread above me
And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be
If you'll not fail to tell me that you love me
I'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me.
I'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me.
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