When Irish Eyes Are Smiling chords

Méav Ní Mhaolchatha
  • When Irish Eyes Are Smiling is a song that captures the essence of the Irish in every way. The lyrics were written by Chauncey Olcott & George. Graff Jr., and the music was written by Ernest R. Ball.
  • The featured artist is Méav Ní Mhaolchatha - original member of Celtic Woman.
  • Early recordings include the verses, but most of the later recordings only feature the chorus. Méav is one of the few artists in the modern era to record one of the verses.
  • Music: Key of C Major in 3/4 time at ~ 48 bpm (𝅗𝅥.)
  • Chords: C, C7, F, G, G7, D7, A7, Am
  • Ideal for beginners with easy chords - all charts below.
Chart Legend
Numbered Circles: Fingers used to play chords   O: Optional Note
Barre Line: One finger holds down multiple strings   R: Root Note
Unmarked strings: Play open   X: Don't play string    B: Bass Note
C Major C7 F Major F Major Am G Major G7 D7 A7 A7
C Major C7 F Major F Major Am G Major G7 D7 A7 A7

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

Song Key is highlighted - Transpose to any other key
               C      Am       F       G7
Intro 3/4  ‖       |       |       |       ‖ 

             C                  
1. There's a tear in your eye    And I'm wond-er-ing why
                                    G7
   For it ne-ver should be there at all
                                           C              A7
   With such pow'r in your smile    Sure a stone you'd be-guile
              D7                        G    G7
   So there's nev-er a tear-drop should fall
             C
   When your sweet lilt-ing laugh-ter's    Like some fa-iry song
                         C7            F
   And your eyes wink-le bright as can be
              D7                             G
   You should laugh all the while    And all other times smile
           D7                G    G7
   And now smile a smile for me
  
             C      G        C       C7             F              C
Chorus: When I-rish eyes are smil-ing    Sure, it’s like a morn in Spring
               F              C        A7          D        D7      G   G7
        In the lilt of I-rish laugh-ter    You can hear the an-gels sing
             C      G          C     C7          F                      C
        When I-rish hearts are hap-py    All the world seems bright and gay
                 F      Dm       C    A7               D7         G7      C
        And when I-rish eyes are smil-ing    Sure they steal your heart a-way

           C       Am      F       G7
        ‖(way) |       |       |       ‖


             C      G        C       C7             F              C
Chorus: When I-rish eyes are smil-ing    Sure, it’s like a morn in Spring
               F              C        A7          D        D7      G   G7
        In the lilt of I-rish laugh-ter    You can hear the an-gels sing
             C      G          C     C7          F                      C
        When I-rish hearts are hap-py    All the world seems bright and gay
                 F      Dm       C    A7               D7         G7      C
        And when I-rish eyes are smil-ing    Sure they steal your heart a-way...

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