While working as a Funeral Director at Funeral Service of one of Mr. McDermott’s friends, I had the privilege of a lifetime in hearing him sing ‘Danny Boy’ as a tribute to his friend. This was in 2018. While every video and recording I have heard of his singing is formidable, the in-person experience of hearing his voice, the silence filling the room, the tears rolling down the faces of every person present, the goosebumps…was an experience I will NEVER forget.
This is a beautiful rendition of one of my favorite songs. And I am 74 and grew up listening to my Donegal-born Irish grandfather's big thick one-sided record of John McCormack singing it!
aww my Dad loved John McCormack. Every now and then he'd have my brother set up his record player in the living room and he'd play his records. Really great memory
This a cappella version of Oh, Danny Boy is the most beautiful I have ever heard. His lovely accent makes it so authentic. I can just picture a father saying farewell to his son, knowing it may be the last time he shall see him until Heaven. I can’t not cry listening to this powerful performance. He sings so calmly, but the emotion is intense. Just glorious.
When one listens to John sing you are hearing Irish Soul at its best, so much heart in his voice so much passion in his delivery, not much more to say but thank you so much for sharing your talent with the world.
For those few who do not like this video, take a trip to Belgium, listen to this being sung under the Menin Gates, and tell me if your reaction is the same.
Ti ringrazio veramente caro John McDermott per aver condiviso questa meravigliosa canzone interpretata con la tua voce che rasuona brillante e bella 🙏🎶✨💖🌠👍 Eccellente video ufficiale ✳️ Complimenti ed Applausi 👏👏 A più tardi 🇮🇹✔️🤗💙 Ciao ✍️🌼🌱
The first interpretation of the lyrics I heard was that of a father seeing his son go off to war, the pipes sounding the muster. I've since heard there may be others, but that's the one I picture, especially listening to McDermott's emotionally stirring rendition. He makes it like a video in my head. I can see the old Dad putting up the harvest, hearing the pipes, squinting and pulling a grimace because he knows what it means. Then up comes Danny smiling, pulling on his uniform, kissing his mother and shaking Dad's hand, before jogging up the road excitedly to meet up with his company, the old man in silhouette from behind waving a trembling hand goodbye. "It's you must go and I must bide." The old man's image becomes blurred with the camera switching focus from him in the distance to a rosebush in the foreground, as a dead rose falls from its stem. Seasons pass, then a scene as the old man sits of an evening in his chair, by the light of the fireplace and a single candle in the window, staring wistfully at a sepia photograph, carefully preserved, of the boy in his uniform, the old man's fingertips lightly brushing the frame, "Oh Danny Boy, I love you so!" Danny finally returns years later, no longer a boy, aged beyond his years, scarred from his battles and brushes with death, a bit more wizened about the eyes, and we see him drop his head and slump his shoulders as he's given the hard news. Then kneeling before a cold gravestone, hand atop it, head bowed, lips moving as he says the Ave, then he bends a bit further and we see his lips saying, "Love you, Dad." Then the sun comes out, and we see in the brightened clouds the old man's face, no longer careworn or wrinkled from years in the field, but smiling down on the boy. "And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me." The grave now lying in a different season and a bit less well-tended, but with the stone still in frame, and as the camera pulls back we see a second stone, carrying military symbols and the Irish flag, father and son together once again. We can just make out "Cpl. Daniel..." something, as the camera pans up, and across the timeless green valley, to the final swell of the music. What can I say? McDermott's rendition is that good....
This was my father's favorite song. He went to John's concert and was so happy to hear this song. When my father died a few years ago, I found this video a few hours after his passing. This version was the stillness I needed that evening. Just this gentle yet powerful voice to help me through that first night. We played it at his funeral. It still makes me cry. Thank you for this beautiful rendition.
My fathers favorite too. We lost my dad last year. He also got to meet John. We played this at his funeral. Sending positive thoughts to you, and your family.
Enrico: I wish you could hear him sing live. The voice just gets better and better as the years pass. He sings with his whole heart in the song and you sit there and become a part of the performance. John is unique.
There are so few artists today that could sing this song in the same manner as John McDermott. Two that does come to mind is Judy Collins and perhaps Sissel.
This lovely man was my uncles neighbour for many years and I met him many times as we were a similar age. He let me into his song secret . Moleskin trousers. Apparently they give you a great base for singing. I’ve been wearing them ever since. I think they may even have protected me from The Covid. Didn’t do my singing much good though.
I know of no other Irish song in which a father expresses his love for his son. It was written by a British lawyer, Frederick Wetherby in 1910. His son did in WWI. It is set to the ancient Irish tune, the Derry Air.
Beautiful. So beautiful. He knows exactly what he's doing with his voice and phrasing. And, he knows what the song is all about. I hope to get to see him one day. I've admired him for ages.
No matter how many different videos of John singing Danny Boy I watch here they all sound better then the previous. Thanks for them all John!! Please say Hi to Mr A. Kilgour for me.
He is awesome with no musical compliment...just his voice.
While working as a Funeral Director at Funeral Service of one of Mr. McDermott’s friends, I had the privilege of a lifetime in hearing him sing ‘Danny Boy’ as a tribute to his friend. This was in 2018. While every video and recording I have heard of his singing is formidable, the in-person experience of hearing his voice, the silence filling the room, the tears rolling down the faces of every person present, the goosebumps…was an experience I will NEVER forget.
Same with me when a few military irish soldier sing for their commandant at his funerals.
Love this song love being Irish ❤😢
McDermott owns this song.
RIP Mommy and Dad…. Thank you for watching over us. May all things be well when we meet again…..
My Mom was from Northern Ireland Belfast she would sing this song all the time and every time it brought tears to my eyes
God Bless you Mom 💕💕
☘️☘️ Beautiful, just beautiful!! ☘️☘️
Oh it's so wonderful I can't explain it .
About 30 years ago I saw him sing this a capella. Not a dry eye in the room. A wonderful memory. Thank you
I wish I could like this every time I watch it
OMG this made me cry.
This is the best version out of all other versions. He is the best !!!
Roy Oberson sings it as sweet and meaningful.
Don't care how many times I watch this-- the tears still pour out!!😢
This is a beautiful rendition of one of my favorite songs. And I am 74 and grew up listening to my Donegal-born Irish grandfather's big thick one-sided record of John McCormack singing it!
aww my Dad loved John McCormack. Every now and then he'd have my brother set up his record player in the living room and he'd play his records. Really great memory
With all of the pain the World is experiencing today this song should be sang worldwide.
The tear factor is big with this one.
Ya know...I wasn't that convinced at the beginning of this version, but by the end he had me in tears.
A sad Irish song with lingering sadness which is always appealing to the sentiment and feeling.
bring tears too me
This a cappella version of Oh, Danny Boy is the most beautiful I have ever heard. His lovely accent makes it so authentic. I can just picture a father saying farewell to his son, knowing it may be the last time he shall see him until Heaven. I can’t not cry listening to this powerful performance. He sings so calmly, but the emotion is intense. Just glorious.
Never been sang better
My heart soars and cries at the same time. One of the top performances ever of this song!
It should be a felony for just about anyone else, with a few exceptions, to ever sing this song
Best Version Ever
Danny Boy
Best Vocal Performance
Beautifully .sung. There is one other that is as beautiful and that is. Elvis s version. He hasnt the dialect.but its tremendous.still. Amazing
Absolutely amazing and beautiful. And always very poignant for a lad named Danny who misses his dad.
How on earth do people dislike this?! I'm not even Irish and this is the most perfect rendering of this song ever.
Who the heck voted this down? This is perfect!
Yes it is!!!
Elizabeth Phillips So true, it is perfection. My God, the talent!
No, it sucks. I don't need his donkey Irish brogue and the attitude that he's above musical accompaniment.
I love this song , so much.❤
Well, that was rather incredible.
When one listens to John sing you are hearing Irish Soul at its best, so much heart in his voice so much passion in his delivery, not much more to say but thank you so much for sharing your talent with the world.
Too bad he isn't Irish
@@jonathanschmidt6792 his name is Irish and his ancestry is Irish
That was perfect..
For those few who do not like this video, take a trip to Belgium, listen to this being sung under the Menin Gates, and tell me if your reaction is the same.
One of the most beautiful interpretations of a composition that goes beyond the cultural boundaries of humanity.
Ti ringrazio veramente caro John McDermott per aver condiviso questa meravigliosa canzone interpretata con la tua voce che rasuona brillante e bella 🙏🎶✨💖🌠👍 Eccellente video ufficiale ✳️ Complimenti ed Applausi 👏👏 A più tardi 🇮🇹✔️🤗💙 Ciao ✍️🌼🌱
Beautiful.
❤
I'm not crying, there's just a lot of onions in my eyes, ok?!
I'm fookin crying!
Whenever I hear Danny Boy, I cannot help but shed a tear or two.
The first interpretation of the lyrics I heard was that of a father seeing his son go off to war, the pipes sounding the muster. I've since heard there may be others, but that's the one I picture, especially listening to McDermott's emotionally stirring rendition. He makes it like a video in my head. I can see the old Dad putting up the harvest, hearing the pipes, squinting and pulling a grimace because he knows what it means. Then up comes Danny smiling, pulling on his uniform, kissing his mother and shaking Dad's hand, before jogging up the road excitedly to meet up with his company, the old man in silhouette from behind waving a trembling hand goodbye. "It's you must go and I must bide." The old man's image becomes blurred with the camera switching focus from him in the distance to a rosebush in the foreground, as a dead rose falls from its stem. Seasons pass, then a scene as the old man sits of an evening in his chair, by the light of the fireplace and a single candle in the window, staring wistfully at a sepia photograph, carefully preserved, of the boy in his uniform, the old man's fingertips lightly brushing the frame, "Oh Danny Boy, I love you so!" Danny finally returns years later, no longer a boy, aged beyond his years, scarred from his battles and brushes with death, a bit more wizened about the eyes, and we see him drop his head and slump his shoulders as he's given the hard news. Then kneeling before a cold gravestone, hand atop it, head bowed, lips moving as he says the Ave, then he bends a bit further and we see his lips saying, "Love you, Dad." Then the sun comes out, and we see in the brightened clouds the old man's face, no longer careworn or wrinkled from years in the field, but smiling down on the boy. "And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me." The grave now lying in a different season and a bit less well-tended, but with the stone still in frame, and as the camera pulls back we see a second stone, carrying military symbols and the Irish flag, father and son together once again. We can just make out "Cpl. Daniel..." something, as the camera pans up, and across the timeless green valley, to the final swell of the music.
What can I say? McDermott's rendition is that good....
I absolutely LOVE YOUR COMMENT,and Mr McDermott's rendition.
Agree on of the best posts ever
Lovely words J
That's a phenomenal image you gave us.Fair play to you.
…brought tears.😥🌹🇨🇦
Perfect.
the best rendition of this song, he didn’t even need the music! the best☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Absolutely beautiful ❤️
I've been on this site so many times and just can't describe how unbelievable John sings this song. Amazing and beautiful voice, so gifted.
Yes, I couldn’t put it any better myself, despite the Grief my family are going through for own Macie boy. Mason, who I always greeted as “Macie boy!”
A capella and solo. Brave, and magnificently performed!
"The reason I love Irish music"!!!!!
the best rendition I've ever heard
он не нуждается в музыкальном сопровождении!
This was my father's favorite song. He went to John's concert and was so happy to hear this song. When my father died a few years ago, I found this video a few hours after his passing. This version was the stillness I needed that evening. Just this gentle yet powerful voice to help me through that first night. We played it at his funeral. It still makes me cry. Thank you for this beautiful rendition.
My fathers favorite too. We lost my dad last year. He also got to meet John. We played this at his funeral. Sending positive thoughts to you, and your family.
My mum's favourite song too, played at her funeral in 2017. Agree that this version is exquisite ❤
I don’t cry outward anymore .. but i do .. inward ... so many years .. so many bitter sweet memories of being a human being
Been listening to this a lot to cry myself to sleep
OMG...A pure voice , sang with meaning , well done sir
My Irish 🍀 Mom loved ❤ John McDermott!
what an accent!! The best rendition of Danny Boy. Thank you.
I met you at Gaelic Fest in Oak Forest, Illinois. Your parents were from Galway. My grandfather was from there too. I love your songs!
Such a beautiful unaccompanied rendition...full of feeling. So moving.
No one else sings this song like John McDermott. I was there when this was filmed and there was not a peep from the audience. His voice is stunning!
OMG I've never heard such a magnificent voice in my life.
Enrico: I wish you could hear him sing live. The voice just gets better and better as the years pass. He sings with his whole heart in the song and you sit there and become a part of the performance. John is unique.
Black 47 Danny boy
I'll stick with John over Black 47. Guess I am more a traditionalist :)
This was my grandmothers favorite song. She had a boyfriend named Danny who she lost. My cousin was named Danny in tribute to him.
shed a few tears what a voice and such empathy
I find its amazing that he has such power without the aid of any instrument except for his own. Thank you for your comment.
so beautiful. This was my mother's song.
Das ist mein lieblingssong😍👍 wundervoll gesungenen ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
beautiful, remembering my Da, Dad, ww2 vet, son of Ireland immigrant
Beautiful, just beautiful
Brings me to tears ... God love ye John...
There are so few artists today that could sing this song in the same manner as John McDermott. Two that does come to mind is Judy Collins and perhaps Sissel.
Absolutely beautiful!! Mesmerizing.
Oh Danny boy... Are you mesmerized? :)
Perfect
Stunning. What a voice. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Wow , heartrending. ☘️
This was wonderful singing! Does "Danny Boy" get any better than this? I don't think so. Bravo, John!
Phyllis Ramsey, I agree.
Everything this guy does, is beautiful.
My favorite is "My Old Man"....
His is the world's best version.
No.
Goose bumps and a little tear😢so beautiful.
This lovely man was my uncles neighbour for many years and I met him many times as we were a similar age. He let me into his song secret . Moleskin trousers. Apparently they give you a great base for singing. I’ve been wearing them ever since. I think they may even have protected me from The Covid. Didn’t do my singing much good though.
I laughed out loud🤣
@@Blue_Dun That was the motivation. Thanks 😊👍🏻
Singular, and phenomenal
Beautiful words and wonderful performance.
This is brilliant! LOVE this song, always have...
It brings tears for so many reasons. 🙏
Outstanding, John: Thank You!
wow...so so brilliant
You do the best version. makes me cry every time, and my grandfather too.
WHOA, this man can sing!!!
I spread the ashes of my mother this weekend and this brings me peace....thank you John
Happy, Happy Birthday to John tomorrow, March 25! A new decade!
I know of no other Irish song in which a father expresses his love for his son. It was written by a British lawyer, Frederick Wetherby in 1910. His son did in WWI. It is set to the ancient Irish tune, the Derry Air.
Are you saying that he wrote it for his son after he died in World War I? Because WWI didn't start until 1914.
best version ever......
Exactly!
Beautiful. So beautiful. He knows exactly what he's doing with
his voice and phrasing. And, he knows what the song is all about.
I hope to get to see him one day. I've admired him for ages.
This song makes a 6 2 220 pound Irishman cry like a baby.
I was at the taping for this DVD and it's always wonderful to hear John, but it is awesome to hear him sing in person! Amazing voice!
Beautiful!!
Oy, the man makes me shed a tear.
This was song was sang at my Gramps funeral, a true Irishman, I miss him to this day☘️
sure does my ole irish glad to hear Danny boy thanx big time :)
Amazing. Salute from Canada
Dear God 😱
Bravo John!
Beautiful John...
Fantasties.! Dankie.!
an outstanding song and much memories contacted with it
lovely
He sings it the best.
No matter how many different videos of John singing Danny Boy I watch here they all sound better then the previous. Thanks for them all John!! Please say Hi to Mr A. Kilgour for me.
Wonderful.