Danny Boy
The Chieftains;Bishop Nathaniel Townsley Jr. & Gospel Jubilee;Malachy Robinson Lyrics
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From glen to glen and down the mountain side
The summer's gone and all the flowers falling
'T's you, 't's you, must go and I must bide
But come ye back when summer's in meadow
Or when the valleys hushed and white with snow
'Tis I'll be there in sunshine or in the shadow
And when you come and all the flowers are dying
If I am dead, as dead I will may be
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
And 'neel and say an 'Ave' for me
And I shall hear those soft you tread above me
And all my grave will warm and sweeter be
If you will built and tell me that you love me
Then I shall sleep in peace until you come to me
The song 'Danny Boy' is a poignant portrayal of a love that must part and deals with themes of death, loss, and longing. The song is a conversation between the singer and Danny, telling him that he must go while expressing a deep love for him. The opening lines suggest that the pipes are calling Danny away from his lover, and that the summer is gone, making it time for him to leave. Even though Danny must go, the singer reassures him that he will be there, waiting for him when he returns.
As the song progresses, the singer says that when Danny comes back, he will be there waiting for him, even if it is in the shadow or sunshine. The singer is expressing his deep love for Danny, which transcends time and space. As the song comes to an end, the singer acknowledges that someday he may die, and that he would like Danny to come and place flowers on his grave, saying an 'Ave' for him. The last few lines of the song express the desire to rest in peace, with the knowledge that Danny loved him.
Overall, the song 'Danny Boy' is a poignant portrayal of a love that must part. It deals with themes of death, loss, and longing. It is a timeless song that continues to be popular even today.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
The sound of the bagpipes is echoing through the valleys, signaling a summoning for Danny Boy.
From glen to glen and down the mountain side
The sound of the pipes is traveling from one valley to another, down the slopes of the mountains.
The summer's gone and all the flowers falling
The summer season has ended, and the flowers of the valley are slowly losing their bloom.
'T's you, 't's you, must go and I must bide
Danny Boy has to leave, and the person singing will be staying behind.
But come ye back when summer's in meadow
The singer implores Danny Boy to return when the meadows are lush and green during the summer season.
Or when the valleys hushed and white with snow
Alternatively, the singer would also appreciate Danny Boy's return when the valley is quiet and covered in snow.
'Tis I'll be there in sunshine or in the shadow
The singer vows to be there for Danny Boy regardless of the state of the weather or the valley.
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so
The singer expresses deep affection and love for Danny Boy.
And when you come and all the flowers are dying
Upon Danny Boy's return, the flowers will have withered and died.
If I am dead, as dead I will may be
In the event that the singer has passed away, they will be as good as dead.
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
Danny Boy will come to the place where the singer has been buried.
And 'neel and say an 'Ave' for me
Danny Boy will kneel and say a prayer to honor the singer's memory.
And I shall hear those soft you tread above me
The singer will be able to hear Danny Boy's footsteps above their resting place.
And all my grave will warm and sweeter be
The singer's resting place will feel warmer and cozier with Danny Boy's visitation.
If you will built and tell me that you love me
If Danny Boy were to express his love and affection for the singer, it would bring them peace in their final resting place.
Then I shall sleep in peace until you come to me
Once Danny Boy has expressed his love, the singer can rest eternally in peace, anticipating his eventual return.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TRADITIONAL, TERRY RENDALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind