Lorraine McDonald, Trionagh Allen & Daniel O’Donnell – “Rivers of Babylon”: A Joyful Celebration of Faith and Harmony
Donegal, Ireland — When Daniel O’Donnell takes the stage, audiences expect warmth, sincerity, and a touch of heaven in every note. But when he’s joined by fellow vocalists Lorraine McDonald and Trionagh Allen, something truly special happens — a harmony so rich and joyful it lifts spirits in every corner of the room. Their rendition of “Rivers of Babylon” is a shining example of that magic — a song that bridges gospel and folk, faith and fellowship, heart and home.
The performance, recorded live as part of Daniel’s concert series, opens with a soft instrumental introduction — the gentle strum of acoustic guitar and a flowing piano line that instantly transports listeners into the song’s spiritual rhythm. As Daniel begins to sing the familiar opening line, “By the rivers of Babylon, where we sat down…”, his voice carries both reverence and warmth, setting the tone for what becomes a deeply uplifting performance.
Soon after, Lorraine McDonald and Trionagh Allen join in, their harmonies blending seamlessly with Daniel’s. The trio’s chemistry is effortless — the product of long friendship, shared faith, and countless performances together. Lorraine’s pure, angelic soprano adds lightness, while Trionagh’s soulful tone provides depth and texture. Together, their voices weave through the melody like threads of gold, creating a sound both powerful and comforting.
The arrangement is simple yet effective — no unnecessary embellishments, just three voices and a band playing with feeling. As the song builds, the trio’s harmonies swell with joyful energy, filling the room with the spirit of togetherness. By the time they reach the chorus — “Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Thy sight…” — the audience is fully immersed, many softly singing along, hands gently clapping in rhythm.
For Daniel O’Donnell, whose career has long been rooted in faith and family, “Rivers of Babylon” is more than just a song — it’s a message. “That song has always reminded me of hope,” Daniel once said in an interview. “No matter where life takes us, there’s always a river that leads us back — to faith, to love, to home.”
Lorraine McDonald and Trionagh Allen, frequent collaborators and dear friends of Daniel’s, share that same sentiment. Their partnership onstage feels natural — three voices united not by performance, but by purpose. The joy they share radiates through their smiles, their gentle gestures toward one another, and the sheer peace that fills the stage as they sing.
Musically, “Rivers of Babylon” traces its roots back to the 1970s reggae classic by Boney M, itself inspired by a biblical psalm of exile and longing. But in the hands of Daniel, Lorraine, and Trionagh, the song becomes something deeply Irish, deeply spiritual — a hymn of return and renewal, shaped by their faith and their love for traditional harmony singing.
Fans who attended the concert describe the moment as one of quiet transcendence. “You could feel the peace in the room,” one audience member shared. “It wasn’t just music — it was prayer through song.” Others commented online that this version reminded them of Daniel’s early gospel recordings, where simplicity and sincerity always took center stage.
As the performance draws to a close, the trio’s voices fade gently over the lingering chords of the band. The final refrain — soft, reverent, and full of light — leaves the audience in stillness before erupting into applause. Daniel, ever humble, smiles and nods toward his fellow singers, giving them the spotlight as the crowd stands in appreciation.
It’s moments like this that remind fans why Daniel O’Donnell remains one of Ireland’s most treasured artists. With every song — and especially in collaborations like “Rivers of Babylon” — he continues to bring people together through faith, kindness, and song.
As Lorraine, Trionagh, and Daniel take their final bow, one thing is clear: this wasn’t just a performance — it was a moment of shared peace, a musical prayer that lingered long after the last note faded away.
“Rivers of Babylon” — sung with heart, harmony, and hope — stands as a testament to the power of music to comfort, connect, and heal.