The 1913 lyrics by Frederic E. Weatherly
lyrics written by English lawyer Frederic Weatherly in 1910, and set to the traditional Irish melody of "Londonderry Air" in 1913.
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, It's you, it's 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, It's I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow,— Oh, Danny boy, Oh Danny boy, I love you so!
But when ye come, and all the flowers are dying, If I am dead, as dead I well may be, Ye'll come and find the place where I am lying, And kneel and say an Avé there for me. And I shall hear, though 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!
In 1993 Sinéad O'Connor sang the song acapella on the Christmas Eve broadcast of The Late Late Show. This rendition had an added verse which goes: But if I live, and should you die for Ireland. Let not your dying thoughts be just of me. But say a prayer to God for our dear sireland. I know she'll hear and help to set her free. And I will take your pike and place my dearest. And strike a blow, though weak the blow may be. Twill help the cause, to which your heart was nearest. Oh, Danny boy, oh, Danny boy, I love you so.