That's An Irish Lullaby Lyrics
John GaryMusic Video
That's An Irish Lullaby
Over in Killarney,
Many years ago,
My mother sang a song to me
In tones so sweet and low.
Just a simple little ditty,
In her good old Irish way,
And I'd give the world if she could sing
That song to me this day.
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.
Oft, in dreams I wander
To that cot again,
I feel her arms a huggin' me
As when she held me then.
And I hear her voice a hummin' to me
As in days of yore,
When she used to rock me fast asleep
Outside the cabin door.;
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
Song Details
🎶 Songwriter: James Royce Shannon - Irish-American composer and lyricist.
📅 Date: 1913
✍️ Other song title: Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral)
James Royce Shannon (1881-1946):
More commonly known as J.R. Shannon, he was born James Royce in Adrian, Michigan, and became a noted actor as well as a music composer and lyricist in the 'Tin Pan Alley' era. It was when he began composing music and writing lyrics that he decided to add Shannon to his name.
He had his own theatre company and spent considerable time touring throughout the US and Europe. 'That's An Irish Lullaby' was his most famous composition. It was written for the musical production Shameen Dhu, and was staged in New York in 1914. In 1944, it became even more popular when Bing Crosby sang it in the musical comedy drama, Going My Way... learn more
📝 Song Brief:
The song reflects the theme of family, home, and childhood comfort often found in Irish-American songs, combining Irish sentiment with American popular songwriting. The song describes a mother singing a gentle lullaby to her child, creating a feeling of warmth, reassurance, and nostalgia.
🍀 Genre: Irish Folk Song
👥 Covers: The Dubliners, Pat Costello, Ruby Murray, Hugo Duncan, Bing Crosby, Daniel O'Donnell, Ann Breen, Sarah Moore and many more,
🎤 Featured Artist: John Gary (see below)
💿 Album: A Little Bit Of Heaven
Released: 1965
Country: US
Fornat: 12" Vinyl
Label: RCA Victor
🎸 If you'd like to play this song on guitar, you can view the chord version on our sister site, Bell & Co Music.
John Gary (1932 - 1998)
John Gary was born in New York City on November 29th, 1932. His 'hey day' as a soulful singer and T.V. star was in the 1960's. His rendition of Danny Boy revealed his amazing three-octave range and ensured his popular appeal.
In the early years he auditioned for talent shows and was awarded a scholarship as a boy soprano. In his pre-teens, he toured the south of the US with Conservatory pianist Frank Pursley. He sang for tips and worked as a waiter, doorman, and was on staff at a local radio station, all whilst attending high school.
As a teenage he was represented by his stepfather and made regular radio and stage appearances with some of the stars of the times. His voice changed at about seventeen and he subsequently decided on a career in the marine corp. It was while singing in the military choir that John found his voice again. His voice had become a tenor with the flexibility of a baritone.
Post-marine days became all about the music. He appeared regularly on T.V., radio and stage right across the country. He recorded about 45 albums with various recording companies over the next thirty years.
John had his own syndicated T.V. show in the 1970's, which ran for approximately three years. John also sang in many stage productions throughout his career and sang with many symphonies in concerts and convention centres throughout the world.
Some of the more popular songs and albums he recorded include, A Little Bit of Heaven, The Nearness of You, Ireland's Greatest Hits, and Songs of Love and Romance. He received many awards and honours during his career.
Sadly, John Gary died of cancer in January 1998.
Bing Crosby's version
Music Video
Bing Crosby's rendition of Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That's an Irish Lullaby), is perhaps the most famous version ever recorded. The lyrics aren’t featured here, as his arrangement opens with the chorus and only includes one verse.
💿 Album: A Centennial Anthology of His Decca Recordings
Released: 2003
Country: US, Canada
Fornat: 2 x CD, Compilation, Remastered
Label: MCA Records
