Oh, Danny Boy- The ATOS Version
I grew up listening to Irish music with close family friends. So Danny Boy has always been one of my favourite songs. Yesterday, I discovered that 2013 marks the song’s hundredth year.
While watching a very interesting documentary on the song’s history, I discovered that there have been several original versions recorded.
So, to mark the 100th birthday of a classic, I decided to do to it what I do best- rewrite it with a relevant disability theme. ATOS seemed an obvious fit.
I took Sinead O’Connor’s version- she sings all three verses.
So, here goes, a love song with a disability politics twist.
Oh, Danny Boy, The ATOS Version
Oh Danny Boy, ATOS,
ATOS are calling,
They say you must,
Go for a WCA.
They’ve hearts of stone,
Disabled people are dying,
They say you must,
Go first, and I’ll be next.
But come ye back,
When Labour forms a Government,
Or when our home,
Is empty, dark and cold.
I’ll still be here,
In body or in spirit,
Oh Danny Boy, Oh Danny Boy,
I love you so.
But if you come,
And find ATOS have called me,
And I am dead,
As dead I might well be,
You’ll come and find,
The place where I am lying,
Kneel there and say,
A little prayer for me.
And I will hear,
Though soft you tread above me,
And all my grave,
Will warmer, sweeter be.
And you will bend
And tell me that you love me.
And I shall sleep
In peace until you come to me.
But if I live,
And should you die for ATOS,
Let not your dying,
Thoughts be just of me.
But say a prayer,
To God for all our people,
I know He’ll hear,
And help to set us free.
And I will take,
Your sticks and aim at ATOS,
And strike a blow,
Though weak the blow may be.
T’will help the cause,
To which your heart was nearest
Oh Danny Boy, Oh, Danny Boy
I love you so.
PS: If anyone is interested in singing this and putting it on Youtube, I’d be more than happy, please do let me know if your voice is better than mine!
a cracking song … but it’s unprintable what I think of ATOS !!!!!
Well written. AND very apt.
Reblogged this on Citizens, not serfs.