'Danny Boy' Traditional Irish Ballad Lyrics by Frederick Edward Weatherly

Improvisation by Pianist and Music Educator Jeremy Wilkinson

Based on an, 'Old Irish Air' that possibly dates back to the 1600's, our story has it that the English lawyer Frederick Weatherly had been waiting for a musical accompaniment to his poem, "Danny Boy," which he penned in 1910. His Irish born sister-in-law either sent him a written transcription of the melody or, according to other possible scenarios, hummed or sang the tune to him in person, and by so doing became the catalyst for the creation of one of the most beloved and well known songs in music history!

Weatherly had studied 'Classics' at Oxford University and was already an author, poet, musician, composer and lawyer at the time "Danny Boy" was conceived. Yet it was this lyrical tune, known at the time as "Londonderry Air," (believed to have originated in Londonderry Ireland,) that would so perfectly hold the deeply moving ode to 'Danny.'

And who was Danny? Therein lies the mystery! Some have interpreted the lyrics to symbolize the "Irish Diaspora" (emigration away from Ireland) and a type of metaphor for the distance between those leaving a homeland and those who remain. Others have interpreted the song as portraying the depth of emotion a spouse or parent would feel if their beloved 'Danny' went off to war. What we do know is that Weatherly wrote the lyrics shortly after the loss of his son in 1910...

And what of this 'Londonderry Air' prior to the serendipitous tune sharing between the Weatherly family? There is some mystery here as well in terms of who the travelling fiddler, or perhaps the harpist was, whose playing fell upon the ears of Jane Ross, a Folksong collector from Londonderry Ireland. It is said that Ms. Ross shared the piece with George Petrie, who had it published in his 1855 book titled, "The Ancient Music of Ireland."

After adding his own lyrics to the ancient tune, Weatherly published, "Danny Boy" in 1913. English singer Elsie Griffin offered the first performances for British troops during WW1, and the first known public recording was in 1915 by E.S. Heink. (Listen at: "The Curious Origins of Danny Boy.") And from there the song caught the hearts and minds of future generations. Weatherly was 64 years old when the song was first published.

When a melody and a song reaches the human heart, and is able to move it's way through and beyond time, generations, cultures, and the other invisible distinctions we place between ourselves, we can remember our connectedness to one another, as we travel through this experience of life together. The deep care, love and concern so poignantly phrased in this song is something familiar to people everywhere. And while we think of this beloved classic as specifically "Irish" in its birthplace, we can all imagine our own personal version of a 'Danny Boy' in our lives.

Who or what might this be for you...?

Please enjoy this beautiful rendition of, "Danny Boy" improvised by British pianist,

Jeremy Wilkinson. Included are the lyrics to the song as well as a chord and lyric sheet for your own playing and singing. Just in time for Saint Patrick's Day, MTM wishes you a peaceful, happy and musical day!