DESCRIPTION:
1. Danny Boy - arr. Percy Grainger (David Stanhope, piano)
2. Danny Boy - Art Tatum (Pablo recordings, 1953)

Traditional Irish folk song, "Danny Boy" is a ballad written by Frederick Weatherly and usually set to the tune of the Londonderry Air. Although the lyrics were originally written for a different tune, Weatherly modified them to fit "Londonderry Air" in 1913 when his sister-in-law in America sent him a 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.

There are several theories as to the true meaning of "Danny Boy" . 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. The 1918 version of the Sheet Music included alternative lyrics ("Eily Dear"), with the instructions that "when sung by a man the words in italic should be used, the song then becomes "Eily Dear", so that "Danny Boy" is only to be sung by a lady". However, it is unclear whether this was Weatherly's intent, or simply a publisher's note. Weatherly acknowledged that "Danny Boy" was sung "all over the world by Sinn Feiners and Ulstermen alike". Weatherly also noted that the song had "nothing of the rebel song in it, and no note of bloodshed".

The song is widely considered an Irish anthem, although Weatherly was an Englishman. Nonetheless, "Danny Boy" is considered by many Irish Canadians to be their unofficial signature song.
(Wikipedia)