I've never liked the popular version of "Danny Boy." Here's a version of the song found in Sam Henry's Songs of the People that I like much better.


THE LONDONDERRY AIR



Flood tide that ebbs, dark waves in sullen motion
Sad winds that sigh, take this, the heart of me
To yonder ship, white falcon of the ocean
Bearing so swiftly my lost love across the sea

Rain from gray skies like tears of lamentation
Beating across bleak sands and shoreland bare
Weep with my soul, alone in desolation
Hopeless the grief and anguish of my sad despair

Sweetest of all, my dream that, at the waking
Swiftly was gone and lost beyond recall
Rose on the rood that as the dawn was breaking
So softly died as morning wept thy silent fall

Sad wind and tide that two fond hearts now sever
Our faith proclaims, triumphant over tears
How still we love and shall do so for ever
Who wait alone the secret of the coming years


Notes from the book: Petrie 1855-57 says the air, without title or lyrics, was collected by Miss J. Ross in Limavady. According to local tradition, James McCurry, the blind fiddler of Myroe, Limavady, was the itinerant fiddler from whom Miss Anne Jane Ross of Limavady obtained the Londonderry Air. The lyrics in this version were written by T. Wray Milnes of Beeston, Leeds.

Radriano