Danny Boy
Hazel O 'Connor Lyrics
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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 say
But come you back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white, white snow
Tis I'll be there in sunshine or in shadows
The lyrics of Hazel O'Connor's "Danny Boy" depict the sorrowful longing of a woman left behind by her lover Danny as he goes off to fight a war. The pipes are calling him back to his homeland, and she watches him depart, knowing he may never return. The imagery of glens, mountains, and dying flowers create a melancholic tone, emphasizing the finality of his departure. The woman begs Danny to return to her when summer returns or when the valley is blanketed with white, but she knows deep down that they may never be reunited. The last line of the chorus, "Oh Danny Boy, I love you so," emphasizes the intensity of her affection for him and the pain of their separation.
Line by Line Meaning
Danny Boy, the pipes the pipes are calling
Danny, the sound of the bagpipes is a calling for you to come forward and take action.
From glen to glen and down the mountain side
From one deep valley to another and from high up the mountainside to down below, the call can be heard.
The summer's gone and all the flowers are dying
The warm season is over and as it passes so do the vibrant colors of nature disappear.
Tis you, tis you must go, and I must say
It is you who must heed the call and follow your path, and I must say goodbye to you.
But come you back when summer's in the meadow
When the lush fields are in bloom during the season of summer, please return to me.
Or when the valley's hushed and white, white snow
Also, when the deep valleys are silent and covered with pure, white snow, please return to me.
Tis I'll be there in sunshine or in shadows
No matter what the conditions, I will be there with you, even in difficult times.
Oh Danny Boy, Oh Danny Boy, I love you so
My dear Danny Boy, I love you deeply and completely.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: HAZEL THEREASA O'CONNOR, Fred Weather, Hazel O'connor
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