Danny Farrell
Encyclopedia
Danny Farrell is a song recorded by The Dubliners
. Sung by Ronnie Drew
in a gruff monotone it tells the story of an educationally challenged Irish male whose life (from an unpromising start) goes from bad to worse. The song is socially and culturally significant, depicting the struggles faced by Irish Traveller
s (a minority within a minority at the time the song was written): limited employment prospects, alcoholism, homelessness and loneliness. Despite painting a bleak overview of this man's life the songwriter cannot but admire this "Pavement Peasant's" inner core.
The song was written by Dublin songwriter Pete St. John.
The Dubliners
The Dubliners are an Irish folk band founded in 1962.-Formation and history:The Dubliners, initially known as "The Ronnie Drew Ballad Group", formed in 1962 and made a name for themselves playing regularly in O'Donoghue's Pub in Dublin...
. Sung by Ronnie Drew
Ronnie Drew
Joseph Ronald "Ronnie" Drew was an Irish singer and folk musician who achieved international fame during a fifty-year career recording with The Dubliners. He was born in Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin...
in a gruff monotone it tells the story of an educationally challenged Irish male whose life (from an unpromising start) goes from bad to worse. The song is socially and culturally significant, depicting the struggles faced by Irish Traveller
Irish Traveller
Irish Travellers are a traditionally nomadic people of ethnic Irish origin, who maintain a separate language and set of traditions. They live predominantly in the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States.-Etymology:...
s (a minority within a minority at the time the song was written): limited employment prospects, alcoholism, homelessness and loneliness. Despite painting a bleak overview of this man's life the songwriter cannot but admire this "Pavement Peasant's" inner core.
The song was written by Dublin songwriter Pete St. John.