PBS runs a program almost monthly called "Danny Boy" which traces the music through its various incarnations. The most well known lyrics (the ones that stuck) are "Danny Boy". It is an Irish mother saying goodbye to her son who is more than likely leaving for America to escape the poverty, unemployment, and famine of Ireland. She knows they will never see each other alive again.

I have no doubt that at least twenty 'Catters will prove me wrong. But this is what my Mom told me. And my Dad had a boat named the "Danny Boy" so they must be right.

SS