Sonny's Dream
"Sonny's Dream" (also known as "Sonny") is a folk song written by Newfoundlander Ron Hynes[1] in 1976. It tells the story of a man who wishes to fulfill his dreams, but is bound to his rural homeland by his family, particularly his lonely mother. Hynes wrote the song while on a roadtrip with his band in western Canada and based it on his uncle, Thomas "Sonny" O'Neill, who had taught him how to play guitar and had pushed him to play music professionally.[2] It was first recorded by The Wonderful Grand Band on their eponymous album, but appeared re-recorded on their second album Living in a Fog in 1981.[3] Subsequent to the songwriter Ron Hynes' death, a crowd was organized for a singalong in Bannerman Park, St. John's in remembrance and celebration of his life.[4][5]
The song is popular not only in Atlantic Canada, but in some parts of the United States and has been covered by many other artists, including Hamish Imlach, Great Big Sea, Christy Moore, Emmylou Harris, Stan Rogers, Valdy, Allison Crowe, Hayley Westenra, Jean Redpath, and Corey Hart.
It was covered by Kellie Loder on the 2023 Hynes tribute album Sonny Don't Go Away.[6]
Scottish and Irish versions
[edit]The song was heard by Scottish artist Hamish Imlach while on a trip to Canada, who modified it somewhat and played it in folk-clubs in Britain. There it was heard by Christy Moore who recorded it and passed it on to other artists in Ireland.[7] A version titled "Sonny" was recorded by Mary Black for the compilation album, A Woman's Heart, which became the best-selling album in Irish history.[8] Liam Clancy has subsequently recorded the song with Hynes's original lyrics.
Chart performance
[edit]| Chart (1990) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[9] | 79 |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Folk Festival to toast Hynes - NFLD. & Labrador - CBC News". www.cbc.ca. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
- ^ Lee, Philip. "Man of a Thousand Songs". Saltscapes. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
- ^ Copyright Wonderful Grand Music 1981 CAPAC
- ^ "Ron Hynes fans gather in Bannerman Park for Sonny's Dream singalong - Newfoundland & Labrador - CBC News". Cbc.ca. 2015-11-21. Retrieved 2016-10-23.
- ^ "VOCM.COM|Hundreds Turn Out for Ron Hynes Tribute | Article". Archived from the original on 2015-11-22. Retrieved 2015-11-22.
- ^ Calum Slingerland, "Tim Baker, Alan Doyle, the Once Cover Ron Hynes for New Tribute Album". Exclaim!, August 29, 2023.
- ^ "Christy Moore - the Official Website - news, gigs, christy chat, new releases, audio and video". Archived from the original on 2007-11-17. Retrieved 2008-05-23.
- ^ "Eleanor McEvoy - Biography". Billboard. 1967-01-20. Retrieved 2016-10-23.
- ^ "Top RPM Country Tracks: Issue 9115." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. December 15, 1990. Retrieved August 23, 2013.
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