"When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" is a lighthearted
song in tribute to Ireland. Its lyrics were written by Chauncey
Olcott and George Graff, Jr., set to music composed by Ernest Ball,
for Olcott's production of The Isle O' Dreams, and Olcott sang the
song in the show. It was first published in 1912, at a time when
songs in tribute to a romanticized Ireland were very numerous and
popular both in Britain and the United States. During the First
World War the famous tenor John McCormack recorded the song. The
song continued to be a familiar standard for generations. Decades
later it was used as the opening song on the radio show Duffy's
Tavern. The song has been recorded on over 200 singles and albums
and by many famous singers, including Bing Crosby, Connie Francis,
and Roger Whittaker.
Lyrics
Chorus:
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, sure 'tis 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 1:
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,
And there's never a teardrop should fall,
When your sweet lilting laughter's like some fairy song
And your eyes sparkle bright as can be.
You should laugh all the while and all other times smile,
So now smile a smile for me.
(Chorus)
Verse 2: 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 so tender and light.
For the springtime of life is the best time of all,
With never a pain or regret.
While the springtime is ours, thru all of life's hours,
Let us smile each chance we get.
(Chorus)
Note: This cache was placed in Jonathan
Dickinson State Park as part of Cacheapalooza 6, with the
permission of Martin Morse, Park Service Specialist. If you park anywhere in JDSP, make sure all your tires are
off the road and you are not blocking any
gates.