Danny Boy
Danny Boy's Journey: A Father's Hope, A Son's Struggle
Lyrics
Oh Danny Boy, you never came on back
Expresses disappointment that Danny never returned.
I waited here for you until my knees were slack
Expresses waiting and hopefulness for Danny's return until feeling exhausted.
I'm older now than I ever hoped to be
Reflects on aging beyond expected years.
You must still be a young man, and I've heard tale
Assumes Danny is still young and has engaged in regrettable actions.
You've done things you ain't proud of
Suggests Danny has done things he's ashamed of.
They can take it to hell
Expresses a desire for those causing harm to face consequences.
I hope you know there's love at home for you
Conveys love and longing for Danny's return home.
Oh Danny Boy, please come ye back again
Pleads for Danny to come back.
When you were just a lad I told your mah you wouldn't be like me
Remarks on the speaker's intention to prevent Danny from following their footsteps.
'Cause I wouldn't let you indulge in all the crazy, wild and free
Describes attempts to shield Danny from reckless behavior, but he discovered an unfillable void within.
But you've discovered there's a hole inside you just can't seem to fill, that's how it is and Always been for our men
Highlights the perpetual struggle experienced by men in the family.
I saw it in your eyes one morning on the way to fish
Recalls a moment where the speaker observed distress in Danny's eyes.
I tried to tell you what you'd find was nothing but a cruel, cold bitch
Attempted to caution Danny about a harsh reality, met with his dismissal.
You laughed a bit, turned on the radio and I just wanted to cry, but I drove on hoping Against all hope
Reflects on the speaker's emotional turmoil while hoping against hope for Danny's well-being.
Oh Danny Boy... Oh Danny Boy...Oh Danny Boy
Repeated plea for Danny's return and love.
Oh Danny Boy... Oh Danny Boy...Oh Danny Boy
-Oh Danny Boy, please come ye back again
-You turned eighteen and you were gone with nothing but a note
Details Danny's departure with a note, indicating involvement with a girl.
Said dad I'm sorry there's a girl and she wants to leave
Recognizes complexity beyond the stated reason for departure.
I wished it so but I knew there was more to it than that
Suggests awareness of underlying issues beyond the note's explanation.
I got calls from the law more than I could count
Highlights frequent encounters with law enforcement due to Danny's actions.
Said we got your boy could you come down and pick him up tonight
Law enforcement requests the speaker to retrieve Danny, emphasizing his maturity.
I said he's a man he ain't a boy now, it's time he had to learn.....and these blue eyes Cried
Expresses emotional pain through crying over the situation.
Oh Danny Boy...Oh Danny Boy...Oh Danny Boy
Reiterated plea for Danny's return.
Oh Danny Boy...Oh Danny Boy...Oh Danny Boy
-Oh Danny Boy, please come ye back again
-The years went by and I heard nothing, I grew old from the strain
Describes the toll of years passing without news from Danny.
Then one day like a thunderclap your call came
Unexpectedly receives a call from Danny, creating a shock.
Said dad I need you can you drive down to the Louisiana coast
Describes the speaker's frantic rush to reach Danny, finding a tragic scene of Danny's death.
Down the highway like a wild man got there as fast I could
-The door was open on your motel room and the light was dim
-I fell apart when I saw my baby lifeless on the floor, and I held you once more
-Oh Danny Boy...Oh Danny Boy...Oh Danny Boy
Repeated plea for Danny's return even after his demise.
Oh Danny Boy...Oh Danny Boy...Oh Danny Boy
-Oh Danny Boy, please come ye back again
-But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Expresses a willingness to wait for Danny's return in any season or circumstance.
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
-And I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
-Oh Danny Boy, Oh Danny Boy, I love you so
Expresses profound love for Danny.
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