Danny, dying of Aids, returns home for his last months. Always close to his mother, they share moments of openness that tend to shut out Danny's father and his sister.
        Lyrics of Danny boy
        Oh Danny boy, the pipes,
        the pipes are calling
        From glen to glen,
        and down the mountain side
        The summer's gone,
        and all the flowers are falling
        'Tis you, 'tis you
        must go and I must bide
        But come ye back
        when summer's in the meadow
        Or when the valley's hushed
        and white with snow
        'Tis I'll be there
        in sunshine or in shadow
        Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy,
        I love you so
        And when you come,
        and all the flowers are dying
        If I am dead,
        as dead I may well be
        Ye'll come and find
        a place where I am lying
        And kneel and say
        an "Ave" there for me
        And I shall hear,
        though soft your tread above me
        And all my grave
        shall warmer sweeter be
        For you will bend
        and tell me that you love me
        And I shall rest
        in peace until you come to me
        But if I live
        and should you die for Ireland
        Let not your dying thoughts
        be just of me
        But say a prayer to God
        for our dearest Island
        I know He'll hear
        and help to set her free
        And I will take your pike
        and place my dearest
        And strike a blow,
        though weak the blow may be
        Twill help the cause
        to which your heart was nearest
        Oh Danny Boy, Oh, Danny boy
        I love you so.