Elvis Presley – Danny Boy

Introduction:

Elvis Presley, the undisputed king of rock and roll, surprisingly took a detour into the realm of traditional Irish ballads with his rendition of “Danny Boy”. While Presley was known for his electrifying performances and signature blend of rockabilly, blues, and country music, “Danny Boy” showcased a different side of his artistry.

The exact date of Presley’s recording of “Danny Boy” is undetermined, but it was released in 1976 on the album “Elvis Presley Boulevard”. This compilation album featured a mix of previously unreleased studio recordings and live performances. “Danny Boy” belonged to the former category, and it quickly captured the attention of fans. The producer behind “Elvis Presley Boulevard” was Felton Jarvis, a longtime collaborator who had worked on many of Presley’s recordings throughout the 1970s.

“Danny Boy” itself is a much older song, with origins dating back to the early 1910s. The melody is based on an Irish folk tune called “Londonderry Air,” and the lyrics were written by Frederic Weatherly. The song tells a poignant story of a mother pleading with her son who is going off to fight in a war. The emotional lyrics paint a vivid picture of love, loss, and the longing for peace.

Elvis Presley’s version of “Danny Boy” stays true to the essence of the original ballad. The instrumentation is simple and tasteful, featuring a gentle piano melody and subtle backing vocals. However, it’s Presley’s vocals that truly elevate the song. He delivers a heartfelt and nuanced performance, showcasing a tenderness that wasn’t always present in his rock and roll persona. He avoids oversinging the emotional lyrics, instead allowing his voice to convey the yearning and sorrow inherent in the song.

While “Danny Boy” wasn’t a chart-topping hit for Presley, it has become a beloved entry in his vast catalog. It stands as a testament to his versatility as a singer and his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. The song’s enduring popularity is a reminder that Presley’s appeal transcended genre and musical styles. Even in a traditional Irish ballad, he could find a way to infuse his own brand of magic and leave a lasting impression.

Interestingly, there is some debate about whether Presley ever performed “Danny Boy” live. There is one documented instance from a 1973 concert where he briefly mentions the song, but there are no known full live recordings. This adds to the mystique of Presley’s “Danny Boy,” making the studio version a rare and treasured gem for fans.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Danny Boy”

Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen and down the mountain side
The summer’s gone and all the roses dying
‘Tis you, ’tis you must go and I must byeBut come ye back when summer’s in the meadow
Or when the valley’s hushed and white with snow
And I’ll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy I love you so

But if he come and all the roses dying
And I am dead, as dead I well may be
He’ll come here and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an ava there for me

And I shall feel, oh soft you tread above me
And then my grave will richer, sweeter be
For you will bend and tell me that you love me
And I shall rest in peace until you come to me