When Irish eyes are smiling
(Lyrics by Chauncey Olcott and George Graff, Jr.)
Here is a popular song that is often sung on St. Patrick’s Day. The lyrics were composed by Americans as a tribute to Ireland. The song reminds us to be happy and keep smiling. The linnet mentioned in the song is a small bird with a very pretty, fast trilling song.
When Irish eyes are smiling,
Tis like a morn in spring.
With a lilt of Irish laughter,
You can hear the angels sing.
When Irish hearts are happy
All the world is bright and gay.
When Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, they steal your heart away.
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,
When your sweet lilting laughter's like some fairy song,
And your eyes twinkle bright as can be.
You should laugh all the while and all other times smile,
And now smile a smile for me.
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 bright.
For the springtime of youth 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.
