Danny Boy – The Legend of the Beloved Irish Ballad

The bestselling author of “A Monk Swimming” turns his Irish eye to “Danny Boy’s” complex history and myths in an eloquent ode to this classic song.

“Danny Boy” is known as a song that can make anyone tear up.  It’s clearly a song that is close to author Malachy McCourt’s heart. The song “Danny Boy” was written in 1912 by an English lawyer who had never been to Ireland. (Didn’t see that coming, did you?) McCourt discusses the mysterious origins of the song’s melody (also known as the “Londonderry Air”, the tune had been kicking around Ireland for a while before lawyer and part-time lyricist Frederick Weatherly found it and added his lyrics) and speculates about what the lyrics might mean. He also discusses how the song became the standard it is today.