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Danny Boy Song

What is danny boy song?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Lyricist Frederic Weatherly[1]
Lyric year 1910[1]
Melody Londonderry Air[1]
Genre folk song / popular ballad[1]

Danny Boy is a popular ballad with lyrics by English lawyer Frederic Weatherly, written in 1910 and later set to the traditional Irish melody 'Londonderry Air'.

Context

Danny Boy is a popular ballad with lyrics by English lawyer Frederic Weatherly, written in 1910 and later set to the traditional Irish melody 'Londonderry Air' [1]. The song is commonly associated with Ireland, but the lyrics were not written by an Irishman [2]. The melody's provenance is uncertain, and its authorship is not claimed by one person [3].

Documented claims

  • The lyrics were written by English lawyer Frederic Weatherly in 1910. [1]
  • The song is set to the traditional Irish melody 'Londonderry Air'. [1]
  • Many people associate the song with Ireland, but the lyrics were not written by an Irishman. [2]

Questions and answers

What is the origin of the song Danny Boy?

The lyrics were written by English lawyer Frederic Weatherly in 1910, and later set to the traditional Irish melody 'Londonderry Air' [1].

What is the meaning of the Irish song 'Danny Boy'?

The song is often associated with Ireland, but the lyrics were written by an Englishman, not an Irishman [2].

Why do they sing Danny Boy at funerals?

The song is commonly associated with Ireland and is often played at funerals, though its origins are not purely Irish [2].

Sources

  1. "Danny Boy": The History and Lyrics — thetabernaclechoir.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Danny Boy — a closing-time classic with curious origins — FT.com — ig.ft.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. The Mysteries Behind the Beloved Irish Ballad "Danny Boy" — wrti.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Culture