Danny Boy or Londonderry Air is probably the most famous of all Ireland's folk songs. It is unclear when or who wrote the melody line but the words most commonly sung to the tune were penned by Englishman Frederick Weatherly in Somerset around the turn of the 20th Century.

 

The true meanings of the lyrics are unclear and Weatherly never divulged their significance but it is most commonly believed that it is a message from a parent to a son traveling to war. 

 

The song has been covered in a wide variety of styles including recordings by Glenn Miller, Judy Garland, Johnny Cash, Cher, Eric Clapton and Charlotte Church to name but a few.

 

This simple but effective arrangement will bring a touch of Ireland to any audience.