Change and be Dammed
My brain, you are my dearest friend
My traveller on the road of many foolish mistakes
FRIDAY SINGING WITH VOCAL COUCH AIDEEN DAVIS
“DANNY BOY”
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
‘tis you, ‘is you must go and i must bide.
Beautiful song – never loses it poignancy or fails to evoke emotions
Elvis Presley believed the song was composed by angels.
There has been some controversy over the origins of the melody.
Folklore tells the story that staggering along the river one night in a drunken stupor, Rory Dall O Cahan, (1560- 1660) a blind harpist heard the fairies playing a haunting melody on his harp. Rory, who, it’s claimed was a descendent of the O Cahan clan, returned to his castle and played the tune for his guests. He claimed the melody and titled it ‘O Cahan’s lament.’
. It’s been sung by the Greats such as Elvis, Bing Crosby and Johnny Cash.
A twist in the tale, (one of many) is the connection of the melody to Jane Ross (1810 -1879) from Limavady who named the tune the Londonderry Air. She, it is claimed, heard an iterant fiddler playing it in 1851. She forwarded the melody with additional commentary to a collector in Dublin who published it four years later as part of a collection called ’Anonymous Airs’ but it wasn’t until the 20th century that words was put to the melody.
It was played at Elvis’s funeral and that of President John F Kennedy, Princess Diana and at memorial services for the victims of 9/11.
Fred Weatherly, a barrister by day and a songwriter by night, is said to have penned the song between 1910 and 1913 – just prior to the First World War. It became an anthem for troops, going to and during the war. Possibly because of its poignant words of parting coupled with the firm assertion of; mother, father, lover’s promise they would be waiting faithfully for their loved ones return;
For I’ll be here … in sunshine and in shadows…
So, was Danny Boy a soldier going off to war? Was that Fred Wheatley’s image as he penned the lyrics?
All that is really known is that he didn’t intend for the song to be divisive. He reportedly said he wanted, ‘Feiinans and Ulstermen alike;” to sing his song.
It’s amazing how the words and lyrics of Danny Boy have found their way not just across continents – carried there by immigrants – but into films and documentaries.
It was sung by jazz musician Harry Mc Cormack in, the film, Memphis Bell. And in 2006 a documentary was made called, Danny Boy in Sunshine or Shadows.
As an Irishman did Rory Dall O Cahan construct the haunting, poignant melody after his father’s lands were claimed by the British? Do Fred Weatherly’s words,
… The pipes, the pipes are calling…
refer to the old days when a pied piper type bagpiper went around the countryside calling for recruits to join up to replace the men lost in far-flung wars?
Whatever the truth of it, the legendary hauntingly beautiful words of Danny Boy, has journeyed far beyond Ireland and England.
Was Elvis Presley right when he said it had been written by angels?
At the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Boxer Barry’s Mc Guigan’s father Pat, sung Danny Boy in place of the Irish national anthem when Barry won a gold medal. Pat Mc Guigan sang the song again (and before every future match) when Barry became the World Champion in 1985.
Barry called Danny Boy, “The ballad that bewitched the world.”
Its emotive word imaginary resonates with people all over the world.
John Mac Cormack sung it to the Irish immigrants in America in 1920.
A host of lyricists have written a plethora of additional verses but Fred Wheatley’s version is still the most popular.
Why is it that a poem turned song of 100 years ago, is still popular today with people old and young alike?
If you’re away from home – regardless of your country, creed or politics, does it give a sense of self – an identity? Do people recognise themselves in the words and melody? A place, a longing to return to like 2nd and 3rd generations of people seeking out their ancestors – their links with past generations.
‘When ye come… dead I well may be…Kneel…say an ‘Ave’ for me.
During Famine times (1845/47) when emigrants ‘took the boat’ their people didn’t expect to ever see them again. But in their heart of heart they always hoped, if not in this life… in the next… In the intervening years and in every decade since, many have gone to war and never returned.
Many have emigrated, never to return.
But that spark of hope across the miles – across the generations holds firm to the cherished belief that one day they will return.
And I shall hear…… (Know you are there) … though dead I well may be…And I will sleep in peace… (Content in the knowledge their loved one is home and they will meet again at a later time)
Song of love: anthem of human rights, cultural symbol, solace for immigrants across the world? I think Danny Boy is all of these things and more.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Danny Boy
And now for the techno bit – I am going to download Elvis singing – Danny Boy.
Sing along with him– good for your heart – amazing exercise for your mind.
Give it a like – ask your friends to ask their friends to share on their FBP
Hope you enjoy my 2nd post on Art – Tickle
Gemma Hill Writeyou Writeme 