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 100^th 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!