* 1999 - [[Finbar Wright]] sang it in his ''Opera Concert'' broadcast on Public Television (VHS). The concert contained several non-operatic pieces.
* 1999 - [[Finbar Wright]] sang it in his ''Opera Concert'' broadcast on Public Television (VHS). The concert contained several non-operatic pieces.
* 1999 - [[Irish Tenors]], ([[Ronan Tynan]], [[John McDermott (singer)|John McDermott]] and Anthony Kearns) recorded it on the ''Irish Tenors'' album
* 1999 - [[Irish Tenors]], ([[Ronan Tynan]], [[John McDermott (singer)|John McDermott]] and Anthony Kearns) recorded it on the ''Irish Tenors'' album
* 1999 - [[Harry Connick Jr]]'s big-band record ''[[Come By Me]]'' has a [[singer|voice]] and [[piano]] take on this song. His character Daniel sings Danny Boy at a talent show in the movie ''[[Life Without Dick]]''. As a cast member in the 1990 World War II aviation film ''[[Memphis Belle]]'' he sings the song at a dance. It becomes the principal music theme of the film, particularly prominent in the harrowing ending and the end credits
* 1999 - [[Harry Connick Jr]]'s big-band record ''[[Come By Me]]'' has a [[singer|voice]] and [[piano]] take on this song. His character Daniel sings Danny Boy at a talent show in the movie ''[[Life Without Dick]]''. As a cast member in the 1990 World War II aviation film ''[[Memphis Belle]]'' he sings the song at a dance. It becomes the principal music theme of the film, particularly prominent in the harrowing ending and the end credits. This is particularly detested by Stuart as the Lucky Charms telemarketers can't be bothered finding some original songs to celebrate their deals.
* 1999 - [[Diana Krall]] performed the song with [[The Chieftains]] on their album ''Tears of Stone''
* 1999 - [[Diana Krall]] performed the song with [[The Chieftains]] on their album ''Tears of Stone''
* 1999 - [[Charlotte Church]] recorded the song on her ''[[Voice of an Angel]]'' album
* 1999 - [[Charlotte Church]] recorded the song on her ''[[Voice of an Angel]]'' album
The lyrics to "Danny Boy" were written by the English lawyer and lyricist
Frederick Weatherly in 1910. 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.[1]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" [2]. 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 [3]
Lyrics
(There is a number of variations on these lyrics.)
Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling From glen to glen, and down the mountain side The summer's gone, and all the leaves are falling T'is you, T'is you must go and I must bide. But come ye back when summer's in the meadow Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow t'is I'll be there in sunshine or in shadow Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.
And when ye come, and all the flow'rs are dying If I am dead, as dead I well may be ye'll come and find the place where I am lying And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me. And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me And oh, my grave shall warmer, sweeter be For ye will bend and tell me that you love me And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me.
Recordings
"Danny Boy" has been recorded many times by a variety of artists. Many versions are listed below by notable artists in descending chronological order.
2010 - The Pimpmasters recorded this for their first single, "Public Domain Hell"
2010 - Liam McNally sang this song at the Britain's Got Talent Final.
2010 -
Colm Wilkinson on his album "Broadway And Beyond The Concert Songs"
2010 - Patricia Kelly of
The Kelly Family included an acoustic version on her album It Is Essential
2010 - Liz Madden on her album "My Irish Home"
2009 -
Lee Ji Eun on the original soundtrack of Korean movie '"Paradise"
2007 -
Damien Leith, winner of
Australian Idol 2006, featured an acoustic version of his homeland's traditional song on his debut album, Where We Land. The version also features Leith on guitar and was originally recorded for a fan. Also recorded a raw version on his latest album Where We Land
2005 -
Celtic Woman on their self-titled album (initially performed by
Méav who also did the same thing for her Celtic Journey solo album and 2007 concert)
2005 -
Bryn Terfel on his album titled Bryn Terfel Sings Favourites (2003), reissued as Bryn double CD Special Edition
2004 -
Brian Kennedy, recorded it on his Live in Belfast album
2003 -
Nigel Kennedy, recorded it on his Nigel Kennedy's Greatest Hits album with
Liam O'Flynn and Osian Ellis
2002 –
Johnny Cash, who had recorded another version of the song in 1965, recorded it for American IV: The Man Comes Around, his final album to be released during his lifetime.
2002 -
Mireille Mathieu, recorded the French version titled L'enfant De L'IrlandeChildren of Ireland on her Amoureusement Votre 3 CD box set
1999 -
Harry Connick Jr's big-band record Come By Me has a
voice and
piano take on this song. His character Daniel sings Danny Boy at a talent show in the movie Life Without Dick. As a cast member in the 1990 World War II aviation film Memphis Belle he sings the song at a dance. It becomes the principal music theme of the film, particularly prominent in the harrowing ending and the end credits. This is particularly detested by Stuart as the Lucky Charms telemarketers can't be bothered finding some original songs to celebrate their deals.
1985 -
The King's Singers, a cappella version on the album Watching the White Wheat
1978-1991 -
The Kelly Family recorded Danny Boy as their first single in 1978. In 1991, it was included on their album Honest Workers
1976 -
Elvis Presley recorded the song in 1976 during the Jungle Room Sessions at
Graceland in Memphis, TN. The master take is available on From Elvis Presley Boulevard. Other takes are available on The Jungle Room Sessions and Platinum. The song was noted as one of his favourite songs and was played at his funeral. Elvis said it was his father Vernon's favourite song. A Live version is available on the live album
Tucson '76.
1969-1999 -
Tom Jones sang it on the first episode of his weekly television show and recorded it on Las Vegas to London, the Best of Tom Jones Live CD on the Spectrum label (1999).
1969 -
Cher recorded it on her Jackson Highway album
1962 -
Connie Francis on her Connie Francis Sings Irish Favorites album
1962 -
Maureen O'Hara Irish actress recorded it on her Maureen O'Hara Sings her Favourite Irish Songs album (1962,
Columbia Records)
1960-61 -
Jim Reeves recorded it twice, A slow version for the Album Tall Tales and Short Tempers in 1960 and in 1961 he recorded a version that was released as a single. He always closed his shows with the song.
1940-1962 -
Judy Garland recorded it several times, once for her film Little Nellie Kelly (1940) MGM Records and again for her Miss Showbusiness album (1955, Capitol Records) and sang it live during her concerts in Dublin's famed
Theatre Royal and at her now legendary
New YorkPalace Theatre show. Her last recording of the song was in 1962 in London, for The London Sessions album again on the (Capitol) label.
1939 -
Gracie Fields sung this on the Soundtrack to her 1939 film 'Shipyard Sally,' and recorded the song once in 1939 and in 1978 for
Jess Yates's TV show 'Stars on Sunday'
1939 -
Glenn Miller performed it as part of the
Carnegie Hall concert on October 6. Miller's was the last of four bands performing to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
ASCAP. The performance was recorded and released on the
RCA Victor label.
Sung by Luba Mason and
Ruben Blades one the grammy-winning CD Mundo (Sony-Columbia 2002)
Sung by
Celtic Thunder on their second CD, Celtic Thunder: Act II
Wolfe Tones recorded it live on their Wolfe Tones The Troubles two CD set.
Willie Nelson on One From the Road (released in 1979; re-released on a compilation Stardust/
Honeysuckle Rose/One From The Road)
Tir na n'Og, recorded it on their 2006 self-titled debut album
Thin Lizzy included it in a medley of Irish tunes as part of the title track on their
Black Rose: A Rock Legend album in 1979. Under the name of Funky Junction, Thin Lizzy had previously recorded an instrumental version, titled Dan, on their Tribute to Deep Purple album in 1972.
The Pogues on the soundtrack for the 1987 film Straight to Hell, with Cait O'Riordan on vocals. Pogues frontman
Shane Macgowan also recorded a version of the song with his solo band The Popes which appeared on their Christmas Party E.P.
Sinéad O'Connor performed the song, adding a third (political) verse, on whistler and piper
Davy Spillane's album The Sea of Dreams
Sarah Vaughan, recorded it on her album It's A Man's World (original release: Mercury Stereo SR 611220; released as an audio CD on Verve label in April 2002)
Sung by the character Morris 'Morrie' Kessler in the 1990 film Goodfellas.
Sung by a tramp character in the
Nick Cave film The Proposition. As in the above mentioned Once Upon a Time in the West, the film was set before the song was even written.
In his
faustian 1994 song "The Man Who Wrote Danny Boy",
Joe Jackson implies that the author of "Danny Boy" created an immortal "perfect refrain".
Danny Boy is a rapper in the American
hip hop group
House of Pain. Track 9 of their debut album, Fine Malt Lyrics, is titled "Danny Boy" which ends with the lyrics and tune of the traditional song. [citation needed]
Television
Is sung by Carmine Ragusa (
Eddie Mekka) on a 1978 episode of
Laverne & Shirley. It occurs at the end of Season 3's Episode #15 ("The Slow Child"), during a
St. Patrick's Day party.
Ray Carling sings this with
Shaz Granger in
episode 5 of the third series of Ashes to Ashes at a police fundraising gala. According to DI Bevan, he also used to regularly sing this in pubs.
Danny Boy was the theme song for the long running television show The Danny Thomas Show, also known as Make Room For Daddy, from 1953 to 1964.[5]
Sung by Jack Rudolph (
Steven Weber) many times in the show Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip in the beginning of several of the scenes when he encounters
Danny Tripp throughout the series. Rudolph also once sings the lead line as "Matty Boy" when he encounters Danny's partner,
Matt Albie.
Sung by James on
Spin City in front of the Mayor and Janelle
In the
Torchwood episode
Random Shoes, Eugene's father sings the song at Eugene's funeral.
The song is a favorite of the character Bernard O'Toole, from Tekkaman Blade. The old soldier often sung it to himself, and D-Boy's support mecha, Pegas, ended up recording the song in his memory banks during his first appearance.
In the first series of Round the Twist, characters could hear unseen ghosts on clarinet, saxophone and violin perform part of the song in each episode. Eventually, a choral rendition by the entire cast in the series' climax brought forth the ghosts to save the show's lighthouse from being destroyed.
In the Futurama episode "
A Pharaoh to Remember", Zoidberg sings this song at Bender's fake funeral, in order to "express his sorrow".
Sung by a moat monster in an episode of
Courage the Cowardly Dog, where Courage must defend a medicinal tree from getting cut down by Eustace.
In the OP for Armored Trooper Votoms: Pailsen Files, 'Danny Boy' is referenced in the lyrics.
Sung on the Frasier episode where Duke's bar was being closed.
The Simpsons Barney sings 'Danny Boy' during the episode
Mommie Beerest where Moe's tavern is closed down.
Pig sings 'Danny Boy' many times during an episode of Barnyard in which he is to take part in a live Televised talent show
On
The Muppet ShowBeaker,
Animal and
The Swedish Chef (try) to sing it. The Chef sings in his usual mock-Swedish gibberish; Animal can only remember the first three words; Beaker performs the melody well, but in his usual "mee-mee-mee" speech.
In the fifth season of Never Mind the Quality Feel the Width (1970) Patrick's friends sing Danny Boy to him at his farewell do before his return to Ireland.
In the fourth season of "
30 Rock" (2009) Danny Baker (played by
Cheyenne Jackson) sings several lines of 'Danny Boy' to Jenna Maroney (
Jane Krakowski), but is interrupted when she gets a nose bleed. It is also briefly sung in season two's episode "
Sandwich Day" by Jenna, Tracy Jordan (
Tracy Morgan), Kenneth (
Jack McBrayer), Frank Rossitano (
Judah Friedlander), Lutz (
John Lutz) and a group of teamsters whom are all drunk.
In Episode 49 of MacGyver, titled "Fire and Ice" a man is singing "Danny Boy" in the men's shower room.
In an episode of
Johnny Bravo, Johnny plays part of the song on a bagpipe to make a dragon cry.
In an episode of "
Touched by an Angel" the angel Monica, played by actress
Roma Downey becomes envious of a child prodigy singer, embittered that God had not actually given her the gift of "the voice of an Angel" drinks half a beer, becomes unruly drunk, and (tries to) sing the song in Karaoke. So poorly that it causes a fight and her supervising Angel has to bail her out of jail.
Other
Sung by boxer
Barry McGuigan's father,
Pat, before many of Barry's bouts.
In the video game
Bioshock, the song starts playing when entering
Frank Fontaine's apartment in Mercury Suites. The recording was sung by
Mario Lanza.
In the video game
Grand Theft Auto IV, Packie, an Irish American character, sings "Oh Danny Boy" while drunk.
The 27th Lancers Drum & Bugle Corps from Revere, MA used "Danny Boy" as their closing number for many years, and many consider it their signature number.
In
DC Comics series 52, it was sung by
The Question as he is dying from his cancer on his hospital bed.
Books
McCourt, Malachy (30 Mar 2005 (Reprint)). Danny Boy: The Legend of the Beloved Irish Ballad. New American Library. p. 128.
ISBN0-451-20806-4. {{
cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (
help)
Catholic funeral controversy
"Danny Boy" enjoys some popularity as a funeral song. However, because it is not
liturgical, its suitability for funerals is sometimes contested.[6]
^[1] Hinnesbusch, Patricia D. "Irish Song Danny Boy Meaning and History of Irish Ballads." Symbol Meaning for Hundreds of Symbols & Symbol Resources. Living Arts Enterprises, LLC, 14 Sept. 2010.
http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/irish-song.html.
* 1999 - [[Finbar Wright]] sang it in his ''Opera Concert'' broadcast on Public Television (VHS). The concert contained several non-operatic pieces.
* 1999 - [[Finbar Wright]] sang it in his ''Opera Concert'' broadcast on Public Television (VHS). The concert contained several non-operatic pieces.
* 1999 - [[Irish Tenors]], ([[Ronan Tynan]], [[John McDermott (singer)|John McDermott]] and Anthony Kearns) recorded it on the ''Irish Tenors'' album
* 1999 - [[Irish Tenors]], ([[Ronan Tynan]], [[John McDermott (singer)|John McDermott]] and Anthony Kearns) recorded it on the ''Irish Tenors'' album
* 1999 - [[Harry Connick Jr]]'s big-band record ''[[Come By Me]]'' has a [[singer|voice]] and [[piano]] take on this song. His character Daniel sings Danny Boy at a talent show in the movie ''[[Life Without Dick]]''. As a cast member in the 1990 World War II aviation film ''[[Memphis Belle]]'' he sings the song at a dance. It becomes the principal music theme of the film, particularly prominent in the harrowing ending and the end credits
* 1999 - [[Harry Connick Jr]]'s big-band record ''[[Come By Me]]'' has a [[singer|voice]] and [[piano]] take on this song. His character Daniel sings Danny Boy at a talent show in the movie ''[[Life Without Dick]]''. As a cast member in the 1990 World War II aviation film ''[[Memphis Belle]]'' he sings the song at a dance. It becomes the principal music theme of the film, particularly prominent in the harrowing ending and the end credits. This is particularly detested by Stuart as the Lucky Charms telemarketers can't be bothered finding some original songs to celebrate their deals.
* 1999 - [[Diana Krall]] performed the song with [[The Chieftains]] on their album ''Tears of Stone''
* 1999 - [[Diana Krall]] performed the song with [[The Chieftains]] on their album ''Tears of Stone''
* 1999 - [[Charlotte Church]] recorded the song on her ''[[Voice of an Angel]]'' album
* 1999 - [[Charlotte Church]] recorded the song on her ''[[Voice of an Angel]]'' album
The lyrics to "Danny Boy" were written by the English lawyer and lyricist
Frederick Weatherly in 1910. 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.[1]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" [2]. 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 [3]
Lyrics
(There is a number of variations on these lyrics.)
Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling From glen to glen, and down the mountain side The summer's gone, and all the leaves are falling T'is you, T'is you must go and I must bide. But come ye back when summer's in the meadow Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow t'is I'll be there in sunshine or in shadow Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.
And when ye come, and all the flow'rs are dying If I am dead, as dead I well may be ye'll come and find the place where I am lying And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me. And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me And oh, my grave shall warmer, sweeter be For ye will bend and tell me that you love me And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me.
Recordings
"Danny Boy" has been recorded many times by a variety of artists. Many versions are listed below by notable artists in descending chronological order.
2010 - The Pimpmasters recorded this for their first single, "Public Domain Hell"
2010 - Liam McNally sang this song at the Britain's Got Talent Final.
2010 -
Colm Wilkinson on his album "Broadway And Beyond The Concert Songs"
2010 - Patricia Kelly of
The Kelly Family included an acoustic version on her album It Is Essential
2010 - Liz Madden on her album "My Irish Home"
2009 -
Lee Ji Eun on the original soundtrack of Korean movie '"Paradise"
2007 -
Damien Leith, winner of
Australian Idol 2006, featured an acoustic version of his homeland's traditional song on his debut album, Where We Land. The version also features Leith on guitar and was originally recorded for a fan. Also recorded a raw version on his latest album Where We Land
2005 -
Celtic Woman on their self-titled album (initially performed by
Méav who also did the same thing for her Celtic Journey solo album and 2007 concert)
2005 -
Bryn Terfel on his album titled Bryn Terfel Sings Favourites (2003), reissued as Bryn double CD Special Edition
2004 -
Brian Kennedy, recorded it on his Live in Belfast album
2003 -
Nigel Kennedy, recorded it on his Nigel Kennedy's Greatest Hits album with
Liam O'Flynn and Osian Ellis
2002 –
Johnny Cash, who had recorded another version of the song in 1965, recorded it for American IV: The Man Comes Around, his final album to be released during his lifetime.
2002 -
Mireille Mathieu, recorded the French version titled L'enfant De L'IrlandeChildren of Ireland on her Amoureusement Votre 3 CD box set
1999 -
Harry Connick Jr's big-band record Come By Me has a
voice and
piano take on this song. His character Daniel sings Danny Boy at a talent show in the movie Life Without Dick. As a cast member in the 1990 World War II aviation film Memphis Belle he sings the song at a dance. It becomes the principal music theme of the film, particularly prominent in the harrowing ending and the end credits. This is particularly detested by Stuart as the Lucky Charms telemarketers can't be bothered finding some original songs to celebrate their deals.
1985 -
The King's Singers, a cappella version on the album Watching the White Wheat
1978-1991 -
The Kelly Family recorded Danny Boy as their first single in 1978. In 1991, it was included on their album Honest Workers
1976 -
Elvis Presley recorded the song in 1976 during the Jungle Room Sessions at
Graceland in Memphis, TN. The master take is available on From Elvis Presley Boulevard. Other takes are available on The Jungle Room Sessions and Platinum. The song was noted as one of his favourite songs and was played at his funeral. Elvis said it was his father Vernon's favourite song. A Live version is available on the live album
Tucson '76.
1969-1999 -
Tom Jones sang it on the first episode of his weekly television show and recorded it on Las Vegas to London, the Best of Tom Jones Live CD on the Spectrum label (1999).
1969 -
Cher recorded it on her Jackson Highway album
1962 -
Connie Francis on her Connie Francis Sings Irish Favorites album
1962 -
Maureen O'Hara Irish actress recorded it on her Maureen O'Hara Sings her Favourite Irish Songs album (1962,
Columbia Records)
1960-61 -
Jim Reeves recorded it twice, A slow version for the Album Tall Tales and Short Tempers in 1960 and in 1961 he recorded a version that was released as a single. He always closed his shows with the song.
1940-1962 -
Judy Garland recorded it several times, once for her film Little Nellie Kelly (1940) MGM Records and again for her Miss Showbusiness album (1955, Capitol Records) and sang it live during her concerts in Dublin's famed
Theatre Royal and at her now legendary
New YorkPalace Theatre show. Her last recording of the song was in 1962 in London, for The London Sessions album again on the (Capitol) label.
1939 -
Gracie Fields sung this on the Soundtrack to her 1939 film 'Shipyard Sally,' and recorded the song once in 1939 and in 1978 for
Jess Yates's TV show 'Stars on Sunday'
1939 -
Glenn Miller performed it as part of the
Carnegie Hall concert on October 6. Miller's was the last of four bands performing to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
ASCAP. The performance was recorded and released on the
RCA Victor label.
Sung by Luba Mason and
Ruben Blades one the grammy-winning CD Mundo (Sony-Columbia 2002)
Sung by
Celtic Thunder on their second CD, Celtic Thunder: Act II
Wolfe Tones recorded it live on their Wolfe Tones The Troubles two CD set.
Willie Nelson on One From the Road (released in 1979; re-released on a compilation Stardust/
Honeysuckle Rose/One From The Road)
Tir na n'Og, recorded it on their 2006 self-titled debut album
Thin Lizzy included it in a medley of Irish tunes as part of the title track on their
Black Rose: A Rock Legend album in 1979. Under the name of Funky Junction, Thin Lizzy had previously recorded an instrumental version, titled Dan, on their Tribute to Deep Purple album in 1972.
The Pogues on the soundtrack for the 1987 film Straight to Hell, with Cait O'Riordan on vocals. Pogues frontman
Shane Macgowan also recorded a version of the song with his solo band The Popes which appeared on their Christmas Party E.P.
Sinéad O'Connor performed the song, adding a third (political) verse, on whistler and piper
Davy Spillane's album The Sea of Dreams
Sarah Vaughan, recorded it on her album It's A Man's World (original release: Mercury Stereo SR 611220; released as an audio CD on Verve label in April 2002)
Sung by the character Morris 'Morrie' Kessler in the 1990 film Goodfellas.
Sung by a tramp character in the
Nick Cave film The Proposition. As in the above mentioned Once Upon a Time in the West, the film was set before the song was even written.
In his
faustian 1994 song "The Man Who Wrote Danny Boy",
Joe Jackson implies that the author of "Danny Boy" created an immortal "perfect refrain".
Danny Boy is a rapper in the American
hip hop group
House of Pain. Track 9 of their debut album, Fine Malt Lyrics, is titled "Danny Boy" which ends with the lyrics and tune of the traditional song. [citation needed]
Television
Is sung by Carmine Ragusa (
Eddie Mekka) on a 1978 episode of
Laverne & Shirley. It occurs at the end of Season 3's Episode #15 ("The Slow Child"), during a
St. Patrick's Day party.
Ray Carling sings this with
Shaz Granger in
episode 5 of the third series of Ashes to Ashes at a police fundraising gala. According to DI Bevan, he also used to regularly sing this in pubs.
Danny Boy was the theme song for the long running television show The Danny Thomas Show, also known as Make Room For Daddy, from 1953 to 1964.[5]
Sung by Jack Rudolph (
Steven Weber) many times in the show Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip in the beginning of several of the scenes when he encounters
Danny Tripp throughout the series. Rudolph also once sings the lead line as "Matty Boy" when he encounters Danny's partner,
Matt Albie.
Sung by James on
Spin City in front of the Mayor and Janelle
In the
Torchwood episode
Random Shoes, Eugene's father sings the song at Eugene's funeral.
The song is a favorite of the character Bernard O'Toole, from Tekkaman Blade. The old soldier often sung it to himself, and D-Boy's support mecha, Pegas, ended up recording the song in his memory banks during his first appearance.
In the first series of Round the Twist, characters could hear unseen ghosts on clarinet, saxophone and violin perform part of the song in each episode. Eventually, a choral rendition by the entire cast in the series' climax brought forth the ghosts to save the show's lighthouse from being destroyed.
In the Futurama episode "
A Pharaoh to Remember", Zoidberg sings this song at Bender's fake funeral, in order to "express his sorrow".
Sung by a moat monster in an episode of
Courage the Cowardly Dog, where Courage must defend a medicinal tree from getting cut down by Eustace.
In the OP for Armored Trooper Votoms: Pailsen Files, 'Danny Boy' is referenced in the lyrics.
Sung on the Frasier episode where Duke's bar was being closed.
The Simpsons Barney sings 'Danny Boy' during the episode
Mommie Beerest where Moe's tavern is closed down.
Pig sings 'Danny Boy' many times during an episode of Barnyard in which he is to take part in a live Televised talent show
On
The Muppet ShowBeaker,
Animal and
The Swedish Chef (try) to sing it. The Chef sings in his usual mock-Swedish gibberish; Animal can only remember the first three words; Beaker performs the melody well, but in his usual "mee-mee-mee" speech.
In the fifth season of Never Mind the Quality Feel the Width (1970) Patrick's friends sing Danny Boy to him at his farewell do before his return to Ireland.
In the fourth season of "
30 Rock" (2009) Danny Baker (played by
Cheyenne Jackson) sings several lines of 'Danny Boy' to Jenna Maroney (
Jane Krakowski), but is interrupted when she gets a nose bleed. It is also briefly sung in season two's episode "
Sandwich Day" by Jenna, Tracy Jordan (
Tracy Morgan), Kenneth (
Jack McBrayer), Frank Rossitano (
Judah Friedlander), Lutz (
John Lutz) and a group of teamsters whom are all drunk.
In Episode 49 of MacGyver, titled "Fire and Ice" a man is singing "Danny Boy" in the men's shower room.
In an episode of
Johnny Bravo, Johnny plays part of the song on a bagpipe to make a dragon cry.
In an episode of "
Touched by an Angel" the angel Monica, played by actress
Roma Downey becomes envious of a child prodigy singer, embittered that God had not actually given her the gift of "the voice of an Angel" drinks half a beer, becomes unruly drunk, and (tries to) sing the song in Karaoke. So poorly that it causes a fight and her supervising Angel has to bail her out of jail.
Other
Sung by boxer
Barry McGuigan's father,
Pat, before many of Barry's bouts.
In the video game
Bioshock, the song starts playing when entering
Frank Fontaine's apartment in Mercury Suites. The recording was sung by
Mario Lanza.
In the video game
Grand Theft Auto IV, Packie, an Irish American character, sings "Oh Danny Boy" while drunk.
The 27th Lancers Drum & Bugle Corps from Revere, MA used "Danny Boy" as their closing number for many years, and many consider it their signature number.
In
DC Comics series 52, it was sung by
The Question as he is dying from his cancer on his hospital bed.
Books
McCourt, Malachy (30 Mar 2005 (Reprint)). Danny Boy: The Legend of the Beloved Irish Ballad. New American Library. p. 128.
ISBN0-451-20806-4. {{
cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (
help)
Catholic funeral controversy
"Danny Boy" enjoys some popularity as a funeral song. However, because it is not
liturgical, its suitability for funerals is sometimes contested.[6]
^[1] Hinnesbusch, Patricia D. "Irish Song Danny Boy Meaning and History of Irish Ballads." Symbol Meaning for Hundreds of Symbols & Symbol Resources. Living Arts Enterprises, LLC, 14 Sept. 2010.
http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/irish-song.html.