While there are many songs about drinking, not all popular Irish songs are about drinking. In this associated content article, here are some fun facts and song histories for some popular Irish songs not about drinking. Can you guess what they are? Hint: They were all used in an episode of “The Simpsons” TV show which started with a St. Patrick’s Day theme. You can listen to them too.
“When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”
History: Published in 1912, words to “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” were written by Chauncey Olcott & George Graff, Jr. Music was composed by Ernest Ball for “The Isle O’ Dreams”, where Olcott sang the song. It’s been in many movies and was used by Duffy’s Tavern as the radio show’s opening song. Fun facts: Many artists covered the song; notable performers include Bing Crosby, Connie Francis, Roger Whittaker, & that of Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney & US President Ronald Reagan. It’s now a traditional tribute to Ireland & popular song for Saint Patrick’s Day. Here’s the 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.” Listen to “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” Piano Cover Version here.
“Oh, Danny Boy”
History: Lyrics to “Oh, Danny Boy” were written in 1910 by English lawyer Frederic Weatherly for a different tune. Then, in 1913, they were set to the music of “Londonderry Air”. Now a traditional Irish anthem for many Irish Americans & Irish Canadians, two of the first recordings were made by Ernestine Schumann-Heink & Elsie Griffin. Fun facts: It’s been covered by a variety of artists including Glenn Miller, Judy Garland, Sam Cooke, Harry Belafonte, Patti LaBelle, Johnny Cash, Cher, Tom Jones, Roy Orbison, Joan Baez, Elvis Presley, Tony Bennett, Eric Clapton, Charlotte Church, Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr, Declan Galbraith, Lee Ji Eun, Hayley Westenra, Celtic Thunder, Celtic Woman, The Choirboys, Liam McNally, The Muppets Show, and more, some of these covers can be seen on Youtube. The song starts “Oh, Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes, are calling…” Check out wikipedia for more info and possible meanings of the song. Listen to “Oh, Danny Boy” Piano Cover Version here.
“Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral”
History: Sometimes spelled Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ra or Toora, loora, loora, this classic Irish song, great Saint Patrick’s Day, and Mother’s Day song was written in 1914 by James Royce Shannon about a baby’s lullaby. Fun facts: It’s been used in many movies & TV shows, Bing Crosby sang it on request in the movie “Going My Way”, Dean Martin sang it, it’s on a Care Bears CD, it’s in multiple episodes of “The Simpsons”, including 1 that starts with a St. Patrick’s Day theme, Lisa sings “Hush my little baby” & changes “that’s” to “it’s”, Van Morrison sings, “Tura-Lura-Lura (That’s An Irish Lullaby)”. The title may remind some of “Come on Eileen” by Dexy’s Midnight Runners with the lyrics “toora loora toora loo-rye-aye”. Here’s the chorus: “Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral Too-ra-loo-ra-li, Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral Hush now don’t you cry! Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral Too-ra-loo-ra-li, Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral That’s an Irish lullaby.” Listen to “Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral” Piano Cover Version here.
These are three popular Irish songs not about drinking. They have become traditional favorites to sing for St. Patrick’s Day. Have fun listening to my instrumental piano cover versions for of the popular Irish songs for Saint Patrick’s Day Holiday or any other time of year. Do you remember how they were used in “The Simpsons” TV show? Can you remember them in other TV shows or movies? What are your favorite Irish songs?
Sources:
More history & full lyrics at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/When_Irish_Eyes_Are_Smiling
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Boy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Too_Ra_Loo_Ra_Loo_Ral
