The songs of Ireland enjoy popularity far beyond the shores of the Emerald Isle. Rich with melody, sentiment, and lively spirit, they warm the hearts and lift the spirits of all who sing them. Here is a collection of the best of those songs, including the most popular Irish-American songs from the turn of the century.
Several of the songs are from Thomas Moore's "Irish Melodies, " including "'Tis the Last Rose of Summer," "The Minstrel Boy," and "Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms." Patriotic songs like "The Wearing of the Green" and comic songs such as "Who Threw the Overalls in Mistress Murphy's Chowder" are included, along with such popular favorites as "Danny Boy," "My Wild Irish Rose," "Sweet Rosie O'Grady" and "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling."
This treasury of 36 songs will add a true touch of Irish spirit to St. Patrick's Day gatherings and every kind of songfest where singers gather to share songs of universal appeal. They are reprinted here in piano arrangements with complete lyrics, most of them with their original sheet-music covers. A new Introduction includes background notes on the history of each of these memorable songs.