F. E. (Frederic Edward) Weatherly

Born in 1848, Frederic Edward Weatherly was an English lawyer, author, lyricist, and broadcaster. Although he was christened Frederick Edward Weatherly, he later used the spelling "Frederic." He is remembered above all as the writer of the lyrics to "Danny Boy," but his career ranged far beyond a single famous song.

Weatherly was remarkably productive, with thousands of song lyrics credited to him over the course of his life. His work included other well-known pieces such as "The Holy City" and "Roses of Picardy," and his writing connected him closely to the musical and theatrical culture of his time.

He died in 1929, leaving behind a body of work that remained widely loved long after the world that first heard it had changed. For listeners today, his writing still carries an easy melody, a gift for feeling, and a strong sense of the popular voice of his era.