Danny Boy, by Eva Cassidy

Photos stills from Ireland and Scotland. "Danny Boy" was written by Frederick Weatherly in 1910. Although the lyrics were originally written for a different tune, Weatherly's sister modified them to fit "Londonderry Air" in 1913 when Weatherly sent her copy. Ernestine Schumann-Heink made the first recording in 1915. Weatherly gave the song to the vocalist Elsie Griffin, who in turn made it one of the most popular songs in the new century. In 1928, Weatherly suggested that the second verse would provide a fitting requiem for the actress Ellen Terry.
"Danny Boy" was intended as a message from a woman to a man, and Weatherly provided the alternative "Eily dear" for male singers in his 1918 authorised lyrics.[1] However, the song is actually sung by men as much as, or possibly more than, women. The song has been interpreted by some listeners as a message from a parent to a son going off to war or leaving as part of the Irish diaspora. Some interpret it differently,[who?] such a dying father speaking to his leaving Danny. The phrase, "the pipes, the pipes are calling", in this interpretation, could refer to the traditional funeral instrument.
The song is widely considered an Irish anthem, although Weatherly was an Englishman and was living in America at the time he composed the lyrics. Nonetheless, "Danny Boy" is considered by many[who?] Irish Americans and Irish Canadians to be their unofficial signature song.
[edit]Controversy

"Danny Boy" enjoys some popularity as a funeral song for Irish Americans. However, because it is not liturgical, its suitability for funerals is sometimes contested.[2]
[edit]Lyrics

Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side
The summer's gone, and the roses falling
'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 when you come, and all the leaves are dying
If 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 grave will warmer, sweeter be
For you will bend and tell me that you love me
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Eva Cassidy
• Danny Boy
• Frederick Weatherly
• Ireland photos
• Scotland photos
• Vintage photos
• graveyard photos

[Harp4Hymn]

Thank you for this lovely pairing for the eyes, ears and heart. Exquisite.

[marshallandrs555]

@Harp4Hymn Thank you very much. This song always seems to stir the heart. Those that have lost a close loved one know this deeply.

[marshallandrs555]

There is a fascinating video here on youtube that highlights her life. Her gift of music would make a room lay still and listen. After fighting a losing battle with cancer, her strength still echoed through her heart as she sang What A Beautiful World publicly for the last time. LOOK UP "EVA CASSIDY STORY "

[marshallandrs555]

Eva was talented and gifted but tragically lived a very short life due to illness. What she did produce is very special.

[marshallandrs555]

Antique and modern photographs from Scotland and Ireland.

[marshallandrs555]

2002 - Eva Cassidy's recording of the song was posthumously published on the album Imagine

[surf3rj03]

Enamoured of Eva Cassidy alive, and now. Her voice, intuitive phrasing, purity in delivery, and exceptional guitar skills - and her presence as a human, combine to make Eva immortal.

Thanks for this gift, and thanks to those who posted good things.

Peace, Eva. Love Is The Answer

[FuneralPoems4Eulogy]

Just found out she passed away in 1996 at age 33. When I listen to this song, the lyrics take on an added meaning. Very poignant. What a beautiful lady.

[cristi9988]

¨Οταν κάποιοι άνθρωποι έχουν το χάρισμα τέτοιας φωνής, εμείς οι υπόλοιποι απλώς ακούμε!

[elicabolin]

its a sad song...

its ad she only lived for 33 years..

RIP eva

[brelfan]

Lovely. This lady can interpret a song.