Today’s song is a bit of a cheat, in that the most popular version of the track was itself by a woman covering a man. So does that make this version a woman covering a woman covering a man, or just another woman covering the same man? Ah, a little philosophy on a Thursday morning.
At any rate, I’m certainly not going to post Anne Murray’s version of the Kenny Loggins tune ‘Danny’s Song’ when I have a Tift Merritt version at my disposal.
Loggins wrote this track for his brother Danny to celebrate the birth of his son. It was recorded for the 1971 debut record of Loggins and Messina. Murray recorded it a year later and put it on both the pop and country charts.
I honestly don’t know if I like this song or not. It’s corny as hell but also disarming and emotionally effective. And I think Tift Merritt, in playing it completely and sweetly straight, turns it into something quite lovely.
Or was it lovely to begin with? What do I think of Anne Murray, or Kenny Loggins for that matter? I don’t know. It’s weird to not have an opinion on something. I mean, you say “Mariah Carey” and I say “Crap.” You say “Talking Heads” and I say “Brilliant.” But you say “Anne Murray” and I’ll just stare at you silently.
And we’ve only just begun.
Think I’m gonna have a son.
He will be like she and me, as free as a dove,
Conceived in love.
Sun is gonna shine above.
And even though we ain’t got money,
I’m so in love with you, honey,
And everything will bring a chain of love.
And in the morning, when I rise,
You bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be alright.
Seems as though, a month ago, I was Beta-Chi,
Never got high.
Oh, I was a sorry guy.
And now, I smile and face the girl that shares my name.
Now I’m through with the game.
This boy will never be the same.
And even though we ain’t got money,
I’m so in love with you, honey,
And everything will bring a chain of love.
And in the morning, when I rise,
You bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be alright.
Pisces, Virgo rising is a very good sign,
Strong and kind,
And the little boy is mine.
Now I see a family where the once was none.
Now we’ve just begun.
Yeah, we’re gonna fly to the sun.
And even though we ain’t got money,
I’m so in love with you, honey,
And everything will bring a chain of love.
And in the morning, when I rise,
You bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be alright.
Love the girl who holds the world in a paper cup.
Drink it up.
Love her and she’ll bring you luck.
And if you find she helps your mind, better take her home.
Don’t you live alone.
Try to earn what lovers own.
And even though we ain’t got money,
I’m so in love with you, honey,
And everything will bring a chain of love.
And in the morning, when I rise,
You bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be alright.
Meet Me In Montauk 
I’m surprised you know Murray’s cover better than the original by Loggins. I may have heard Murray’s version at some point, but I am far more familiar with the original. As I don’t see that you posted the original, here it is:
I really like this song, and I like Loggin’s early work. He lost me by the time he did Footloose and other crappy movie songs like “highway to the Danger Zone.” (I was still with him though when he recorded the irresistibly upbeat “I’m Alright,” featured in Caddyshack)
Anyway, Tift’s cover is quite nice, but I prefer the original.
I think it’s time Scott finally speaks up. Scott? Oh, Scott…..
When I think Anne Murray, I think – Scott, our cousin who adored her and saw her in concert and probably has loads to say about her version of “Danny Boy.”
I, too, love Murray’s interpretation of this song. Here is a live version:
Just love the way she says “out.” So Canadian 😉 I also like how many different things Murray does with the song. It has moments that are jazzy, a bunch that are quite country, then some pure pop thrown in. And is it me, or does she look a lot like Jane Fonda in this video?