Danny Dear
Hank Locklin · Please Help Me I'm Falling [Bear Family] [1995]
Daddy was a handsome lad
Close on seventeen
And every girl he met was mad
To be Danny's queen.
Danny dear, oh, Danny dear
Danny don't be cold
Now's the time for loving dear
Not when we grow old.
First came Kate and then came Sue
And after her came Jane
And each girl in her turn would sing
To Danny this refrain.
Danny dear, oh, Danny dear
Danny don't be cold
Now's the time for loving dear
Not when we grow old.
--- Instrumental ---
But Danny was the roving kind
And he would not stay
In the arms of any girl
Even when she'd say.
Danny dear, oh, Danny dear
Danny don't be cold
Now's the time for loving dear
Not when we grow old.
Then one day he met a girl
As fair as any rose
And Danny's roving days were done
For she made him propose.
Aileen dear, oh, Aileen dear
Aileen don't be cold
Now's the time for loving dear
Not when we grow old...
Danny Dear
Hank Locklin's "Danny Dear" stands as a poignant example of his mastery in country storytelling, capturing the quiet ache of longing through simple, evocative lyrics. Recorded for the Bear Family reissue of "Please Help Me I'm Falling," the track showcases Locklin's signature ability to blend traditional country sensibilities with a modern emotional depth. The song reflects the broader tradition of the genre, where personal narratives about unrequited love or distant relationships are told with sincerity and restraint. As part of his extensive discography, this recording highlights Locklin's consistent focus on character-driven ballads that resonate with listeners seeking authenticity in their music. The arrangement supports the vocal performance, creating an intimate atmosphere that underscores the song's central theme of missing someone who is not available.