When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

Words & Music:

George Graff, Chauncy Olcott& Ernest Ball (1912)

 

Ah, yet another American vaudeville song about the old country.  No, it is not a traditional Irish tune, but is still a fave on March 17^th.  Graff & Olcott wrote the words & Ball set it to music for Olcott's broadway show "The Isle O' Dreams".  The part everyone knows is actually the chorus (or "Oh, yeah!") of the song.

 

            C

There's a tear in your eye, and I'm wondering why,

G7     C

For it never should be there at all.

          G7                          C             A7

With such pow'r in your smile, sure a stone you'd beguile,

           D7                      G7

So there's never a teardrop should fall.

          C

When your sweet lilting laughter's like some fairy song,

G7       C            C7            F

And your eyes twinkle bright as can be;

           D7                          G

You should laugh all the while and all other times smile,

         D7                G

And now, smile a smile for me.

 

CHORUS:

C                                      F              C

When Irish eyes are smiling, sure 'tis like a morn in spring.

       F             C        A7      D7              G

In the lilt of Irish laughter you can hear the angels sing.

     C                       C7      F                      C

When Irish hearts are happy, all the world seems bright and gay.

F              Cm(Fm?)  C     A7          D7         G7       C

But when Irish eyes are smiling, they can steal your heart away.

 

For your smile is a part of the love in your heart,

And it makes even sunshine more bright.

Like the linnet's sweet song, crooning all the day long,

Comes your laughter and light.

For the springtime of life is the sweetest of all

There is ne'er a real care or regret;

And while springtime is ours throughout all of youth's hours,

Let us smile each chance we get.