When Irish Eyes Are Smiling is a beloved Irish folk song composed by Chauncey Olcott and George Graff Jr. in 1912. It has since become a traditional anthem for Irish-Americans and is frequently performed during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Below are the full lyrics of this beloved tune.
Origins of When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
The song was first composed by Chauncey Olcott and George Graff Jr. in 1912. Olcott was an Irish-American actor and singer who was well-known for his performances of Irish-themed songs. He was inspired to write the song when he heard of an old Irish saying that when Irish eyes are smiling, it is a sign of joy and good luck. The song was an instant success, and it quickly became a beloved anthem for Irish-Americans.
Full Lyrics of the Song
Verse 1:
When Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, it’s like a morn in spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing.
When Irish hearts are happy,
All the world seems bright and gay.
And when Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, they steal your heart away.
Verse 2:
There’s a tear in your eye
And I’m wondering why
For it never should be there at all.
With such power in your smile,
Sure, a stone you’d beguile,
So there’s never a teardrop should fall.
Chorus:
When Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, it’s like a morn in spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing.
When Irish hearts are happy,
All the world seems bright and gay.
And when Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, they steal your heart away.
Verse 3:
Your sweetness and your dimples,
Sure, they make me weak and wild,
And your eyes that shine like the stars
Make my poor heart a child.
Your lips so soft and tender,
Like a rosebud newly blooming,
And your voice so low and gentle
Like a whisper of the spring.
Chorus:
When Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, it’s like a morn in spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing.
When Irish hearts are happy,
All the world seems bright and gay.
And when Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, they steal your heart away.
Verse 4:
The beauty of your nature,
Like a lovely flower in May,
And the love in your heart, sure,
It was given you to stay.
So here’s to you, dear Irish,
May you never, never part,
For the glory of your laughter
Will be the twinkle in your eye.
Chorus:
When Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, it’s like a morn in spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing.
When Irish hearts are happy,
All the world seems bright and gay.
And when Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, they steal your heart away.
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling is a beloved Irish folk song that has been performed for generations. Its cheerful melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a favorite for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The song celebrates the beauty and joy of the Irish people and is a reminder of the connection between Irish-Americans and their ancestral homeland.