Danny Boy
Danny Boy's Eternal Promise: Love Transcends Time
Lyrics
Oh, Danny boy
Expression of address to Danny boy.
The pipes, the pipes are calling
Reference to the sound of bagpipes calling.
From glen to glen and down the mountain side
Describing the source of the sound, traveling from glen to glen and down the mountainside.
The summer's gone and all the leaves are falling
Indication of the changing seasons, with summer ending and leaves falling.
It's you, it's you must go and I must bide
Expressing the necessity for Danny boy to leave while the speaker must stay.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Invitation for Danny boy to return during the summer in the meadow.
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
Suggesting alternate times for Danny boy's return, either in a quiet valley or snowy conditions.
And I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Promising the speaker's presence, whether in sunshine or shadow.
Oh, Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so
Reiteration of love for Danny boy.
And when you come, if all the leaves are falling
Condition for Danny boy's return, even if all the leaves have fallen.
And if I'm dead and dead I well may be
Contemplation of the speaker's mortality.
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
Direction for Danny boy to find the speaker's resting place.
And kneel and say an ave over me
Request for a prayer (ave) to be said over the speaker's grave.
And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me
Belief that the speaker will hear, even if treaded softly above the grave.
And all my grave will warmer, sweeter be
Expectation that the speaker's grave will be made warmer and sweeter by the presence of Danny boy.
And you will call and tell me that you love me
Anticipation of Danny boy expressing love during the visit to the grave.
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me
Hope for peaceful sleep until Danny boy's return.
Oh, Danny boy
Reiteration of address to Danny boy.
Oh, Danny boy, I love you so
Final declaration of love for Danny boy.
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