Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: Felipa
Date: 17 Aug 21 - 09:34 AM

These sets of lyrics are all versions of the Derry Air (aka Londonderry Air); they are set to the same tune as Danny Boy is. They are not versions of Danny Boy; there are unlikely to be other versions of that song apart from parodies.

another song to this air is Maidin i mBéara (posted on the thread 20 Aug. 2008 by "The Bard". It is in Irish Gaelic and is NOT a translation of Danny Boy (nor vice versa). According to Martin Ryan, writing on the same thread, the words to Maidin i mBéara were written by Osborn Bergin. There is also an older song called Aisling an Óigfhir which goes to a similar tune and may be the tune from which the Londonderry Air derives.

There are translations of Danny Boy into Irish Gaelic. I saw two a while ago, and one of them was not very good at all, I thought. Gillebride MacMillan has translated "Danny Boy" into Scottish Gaelic, but I don't have the lyrics (yet).

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: GUEST,#
Date: 17 Aug 21 - 09:13 AM

JOHN MCCORMACK SINGS - O MARY DEAR 1937 BROADCAST

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UahNYR0VXzo

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: GUEST,Jonney
Date: 17 Aug 21 - 08:54 AM

Try O Mary Dear but it will bring tears to your eyes.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh
Date: 07 Jul 07 - 11:43 AM

Okay, have checked Database for both "O Mary Dear" and "Mary Dear" (which gives a quite different song), and can't find the McCormack words there or in the numerous threads all related to "Danny Boy" and/or "The Air from County Derry"; so, here are the words John McCormack put to the air sometime in the 1930s:

"Oh, Mary Dear, a cruel fate has parted us,
I'll hide my grief, e'en though my heart should break;
Farewell my love, may God be always with you,
I love you so, I'd die for your dear sake.
But you'll come back to me my sad heart whispers,
You'll come with Summer's flowers or Winter's snow,
And I'll be there to wait if God will spare me,
And with the years my love will deeper, greater grow.

Oh, Mary Dear, the years are lone and dreary,
And yet you come not back my heart to cheer;
My eyes grow dim, my path of life's near ended,
When death shall come, in spirit, Love, be near;
Remember then my soul's great adoration,
Shed one sad tear, that all the world may see;
Breathe one short prayer, that I may know you love me,
And still be waiting, Mary, when you come to me."


Unlike F Weatherley, McCormack took care to set words to the highest note which are rather easier for the tenor voice than "here" and "bend"; on his two recordings of the piece, too, he sings a simpler version of the melody to the fourth line than on his much earler recording of "Would God I were the tender apple-blossom" (which is by Kathleen Tynam; I'm now not so sure about "As chimes that sound o'er silent seas", above, and will see can I confirm the author of that one).

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh
Date: 07 Jul 07 - 10:47 AM

The alliterative one posted yesterday by "Peace" is, I think, by Kathleen Tynan and would date from around the same time as Weatherley's "Danny Boy". Like Jembo's mother, I too don't like these most familiar words, and tend to sing a version of the "Derry Vale" one given by McG of H; that's by W G Rothery, who made many translations of European folk-songs. John McCormack also wrote a version, "Mary Dear", which is just about as maudlin as "Danny Boy" and clearl echoes it. I'll check the database, and if it's not there will post the words.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 04:16 PM

That one I just posted, I think.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: Peace
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 01:33 PM

LOL. It was late and I was tired.

OK. What are we trying to find?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: Declan
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 01:08 PM

Not that good a memory Peace. Just the search engine.

And that guest was me.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 12:20 PM

Here's a page that lists numerous sets of lyrics that have been attached to this tune.

I think this one might be the one in question - In Derry Vale:

In Derry vale, beside the singing river,
so oft I strayed, ah, many years ago,
and culled at morn the golden daffodillies
that came with spring to set the world aglow.
Oh, Derry vale, my thoughts are ever turning
to your broad stream and fairycircled lea,
for your green isles my exiled heart is yearning,
so far away across the sea.

In Derry vale, amid the Foyle's dark waters,
the salmon leap above the surging weir,
the seabirds call - I still can hear them calling
in night's long dreams of those so dear.
Oh, tarrying years, fly faster, ever faster,
I long to see the vale belov'd so well,
I long to know that I am not forgotten,
and there at home in peace to dwell.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: Peace
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 04:06 AM

I don't know anything else about it, Down-Under. I have to leave just now (it's 2:00 AM). However, I will get to it in the morning. I am happy we were able to help. The concerted efforts of folks here generally lead to some answers. And the Brits are awaking and there are some seriously smart folks there when it comes to music history. So keep checking this thread. We will find something.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 03:58 AM

Ah, Peace, that's the very dab; many thanks for solving that mystery for me; it's definitely Irish, then. Playing it now, I can hear that they are indeed singing the first two verses of that song, although to my untrained ear those words seem like an uncomfortable fit for that tune.
Would you by any chance have any further info about it -- author, when written, settings etc.
Cheers.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: Peace
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 03:33 AM

DANG. Sorry. Cross-posted with Declan. Time for me to get. Good day all.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: Peace
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 03:31 AM

Hot link to Declan's find.

Man, you have got a memory . . . .

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: Declan
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 03:28 AM

Or here even.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: Declan
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 03:27 AM

Anthem for Ireland was posted http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=45603#676442 by a guest a few years ago.

Subject: Lyr Add: FAR-AWAY
From: Peace
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 03:04 AM

IRISH SONGS AND LYRICS 323
FAR-AWAY

As chimes that flow o'er shining seas
When Morn alights on meads of May,
Faint voices fill the western breeze
With whisp'ring songs from Far-A way.

Oh, dear the dells of Dunanore,
A home is odorous Ossory;
But sweet as honey, running o'er,
The Golden Shore of Far-Away!

There grows the Tree whose summer breath
Perfumes with joy the azure air;
And he who feels it fears not Death,
Nor longer heeds the hounds of Care.

Oh, soft the skies of Seskinore,
And mild is meadowy Mellaray ;
But sweet as honey, running o'er,
The Golden Shore of Far-Away !

There sings the Voice whose wondrous tune
Falls, like diamond-showers above
That in the radiant dawn of June
Renew a world of Youth and Love.

Oh, fair the founts of Farranfore,
And bright is billowy Ballintrae;
But sweet as honey, running o'er,
The Golden Shore of Far-Away !

Come, Fragrance of the Flowering Tree,
Oh, sing, sweet Bird, thy magic lay,
Till all the world be young with me,
And Love shall lead us far away,

Oh, dear the dells of Dunanore,
A home is odorous Ossory ;
But sweet as honey, running o'er,
The Golden Shore of Far-Away!

From Goldern Treasury Of Irish Song & Lyrics Part 2

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: GUEST,Down Under
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 02:31 AM

The Golden Shore of Far-Away (The Londonderry Air) would appear to be the title of the choral version of the song that I've been listening to, at least according to the St. Andrews University Music Centre. And armed with that knowledge, it's now obvious to me that the last line of the song is the same as the title. Unfortunately, I can't find anything else on the internet about it. However, since it's a Scottish university that has a record of the song, it makes me wonder again if these lyrics are peculiar to that country.
Any thoughts?

St. Andrews University

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: Peace
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 01:48 AM

Some info here, Celtaddict.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: Celtaddict
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 09:58 PM

There is also a set of words entitled 'Anthem for Ireland' which I will seek out. It is contemporary and I do not recall just now who wrote it, but it is very satisfying for those who do not like the 'Danny Boy' set but wish to sing this rather anthematic (if there is such a word) melody.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 09:45 PM

Thanks for those replies.
Unfortunately, neither of them seems to be what I'm looking for. I've also tried all of the other lyrics given on the various threads here that deal with Londonderry Air/Danny Boy but again without success.
The Orpheus Choir version is only two minutes long and seems to consist of only eight lines --
Line One (I think) ends with 'shining seas'
Line Three ends with 'western breeze'
and Line Eight mentions a 'shore' of some kind 'far away' which would explain why this version is called 'Far Away'.

Here is a link to the album that contains the Orpheus Choir version (Track 8)....
http://shop.abc.net.au/browse/product.asp?productid=369986

Hopefully it might jog someone's memory.
Thanks again.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: Celtaddict
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 12:12 PM

There is another set of words I recall but dimly but learned in the 50s or early 60s, which began
"Would I were Erin's apple blossom o'er you. . ."
This is similar to that in the DT but not the same. I know many sets of words have been set to this air; does anyone have the rest of this one?
The exact Contemplator link above is no longer functional, but the site is still excellent.

Subject: Lyr Add: ACUSHLA MINE (Terry O'Sullivan)
From: Fliss
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 11:29 AM

From and earlier thread on the subject...

ACUSHLA MINE
by Terry O'Sullivan
tune: Londonderry Air (aka Derry Air; Irish Tune from County Derry)

Acushla, mine, the singing birds are calling,
The call of love, that's meant for lovers true,
'Tis Autumn time, and where the leaves are falling,
Alone I wait, to beg a word with you.
'Tis of my love, my love I would be pleading,
Around my heart, your fingers you entwine,
The birds above, they know how much I'm needing,
One little word to bid me hope, Acushla, mine.

Acushla, mine, your lips are ever smiling,
They smiled their way into my longing heart,
Your roguish eyes to me are so beguiling,
I pray the Saints, that never we may part.
When Winter comes, and all the world is dreary,
And sun and stars no longer seem to shine,
The world is dark, and I am sad and weary,
'Tis then I need you most of all, Acushla, mine.

Acushla, mine, when birds again are singing,
Their mating song, and all the land is gay,
When, at the church, the wedding bells are ringing,
Mavourneen, dear, 'twill be a happy day.
And through the years no matter what the weather,
Around my heart, your love will still entwine,
We'll wander on, as long as we're together,
And wander into Paradise, Acushla, mine.

(Songs and Dances of Ireland
published by Wise Publications, 1982)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: GUEST,Guest Down-Under
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 07:16 AM

I'm looking for the lyrics of 'Londonderry Air' as sung by the Glasgow Orpheus Choir many years ago, and I was hoping someone here might be able to help me out. Given the performers, I thought they might be singing 'Scottish' lyrics, but I can't make enough of them out to be sure. I think their version might also be known as 'Far Away'.

Any help with this query would be much appreciated.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 12 Mar 02 - 09:15 AM

And here is another set of words to the tune -My Gentle Harp by Thomas Moore.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 12 Mar 02 - 09:08 AM

A few songs have been written to the tune. Here is one she might like - it's not Scottish, but it's not Danny either.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: masato sakurai
Date: 12 Mar 02 - 08:45 AM

I'm not sure there's a Scottish version, but search this thread (and links there): History of the Song Danny Boy; and Michael Robinson's comprehensive site: Danny Boy—the mystery solved!

~Masato

Subject: Scottish version of Danny Boy?
From: GUEST,Jembo
Date: 12 Mar 02 - 02:23 AM

This is my first time posting here, but I've been lurking and snooping around in the lyrics database for a few years now. I'm looking for an alternate set of lyrics for "Danny Boy" which my 90 yr old grandmother can only partially remember. She says it has something to do with "my highland glen", but can't remember most of it. Does anyone here have any clue what this is? She loves the "Derry Air", but HATES the lyrics to "Danny Boy", and would like me to find these other words to sing for her.

Thanks!