Introduction
Oh, Danny Boy: A Timeless Ballad of Love and Loss
“Oh, Danny Boy” is a traditional Irish ballad that has been performed by countless artists over the years. One of the most iconic renditions is by Elvis Presley, who recorded the song in 1976. Presley’s heartfelt delivery and powerful vocals have made his version of the song a favorite among fans worldwide.
The origins of “Oh, Danny Boy” can be traced back to 1913, when English lyricist Frederic Weatherly wrote the poem “The Pipes of Conway” to commemorate the death of a young soldier in the Boer War. Weatherly’s poem was later set to music by Irish composer P.J. Kearney, and the song became known as “Oh, Danny Boy.”
The song’s lyrics are a poignant expression of a mother’s grief as she sends her son off to war. She pleads with him to remember his home and family, and she fears that she will never see him again. The song’s haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics have resonated with audiences for generations, making it a timeless ballad of love and loss.
Elvis Presley’s version of “Oh, Danny Boy” was released in 1976 on the album “From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee.” The song was a commercial success, reaching number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Presley’s version of the song is considered one of his most definitive recordings, and it has helped to keep the song popular among younger generations.
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Lyrics
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 roses falling,
It’s you, it’s 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,
I’ll be here in sunshine or in shadow,
Oh, Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so!
Oh, Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes they are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side.
The summer’s gone, and all the roses falling,
It’s you, it’s you must go and I must bide.
Yet come ye back when summer’s in the meadow,
Or when the valley’s hushed and white with snow,
I’ll be here in sunshine or in shadow,
Oh, Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so!
And I’ll be here in sunshine or in shadow,
Oh, Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so!