“Understand, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep God’s love is." ~ Ephesians 3:18-19
Every song tells a story. Or at least it should.
Such is the legendary piece written in 1910 by English barrister Frederic Weatherly. The poetic version of “Danny Boy” was written by Weatherly’s own hand after his Irish sister-in-law introduced him to the sweeping melody of “Londonderry Air."
Frederic, a prolific songwriter before practicing law, published about 1,500 songs in his lifetime. “Londonderry Air” was discovered by Jane Ross in the early 1850s on the streets of northern Ireland, who composed the tune played by an anonymous street fiddler.
While millions have
sung “Danny Boy” since it was written, its fame blossomed quickly thanks
to the operatic voice of Elsie Griffin who recorded the first ever version of the
beloved Irish ballad. Traditional versions have but four verses, but the most popular
version has six.
Many believe it’s a loyalty
message from a father to his son going off to war or emigrating (Irish immigrants
brought the song to America in the 1920s).
Others suggest a
parent wishing their boy to return to them before they pass away. Both are
powerful themes in pain of parting and longing.
After the tragic
events of 911, the strains of “Danny Boy” rose from memorial services of
many Irish American police and firefighters who were among the victims. It
honors both the notion of loss but also love reaffirmed by the joyful
anticipation of being reunited again someday.
No matter its origins
or meaning, "Danny Boy" has found a special place in Irish
folklore; one of deep love that may reflect heritage and, perhaps, even romance
with Ireland’s struggles. It
reaches into one’s heart with an enduring power to move, uplift, and almost
always yields soulful tears in expression. I’ll leave that up to your own
senses of emotion and purpose.
The song reminds me of
what Christ has done for us to elicit a response of love for Him.
“But come ye back when summer's in the meadow, or when the
valley's hushed and white with snow. I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow, oh
Danny Boy, oh Danny Boy, I love you so.” (Danny Boy Verse2)
When you accept Jesus’
invitation to begin a relationship with God, you are secure in His love
forever. Nothing can separate you from God’s love. Even when things are
difficult or you feel far from God, it’s not because God stops loving you. The
truth is that God will never stop loving you, no matter what you do.
