It’s the Little Bit of Irish (1918 THE CANARY)

From “The Canary,” 1918.
Words and Music by Irving Berlin.
Cover Art by Albert W. Barbelle.
Copyright ©15 Oct 1918.
Sheet Music from the collection of Michael Deatz.


The sheet music:


Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:


Lyrics

  1. When Irish meets Irish
    They will seldom disagree
    There’s a perfect understanding
    Like a chord of harmony
    They talk the same
    And they walk the same
    They think the same, they do
    That’s just why you fancy me
    And I fancy you

Chorus:
Why do you love what I do?
It’s the little bit of Irish
That’s in your heart
When McCormack sings
Why do you shout with joy?
If a band should start
Playing an Irish rhythm
You’d go with ’em
Why do you speak as I do
With a little bit of brogue
From which you’ll never part?
When you see a three leaf clover
Why do you smile all over?
It’s the little bit of Irish in your heart

  1. When Irish meets Irish
    Should they ever start a fight
    They will leave it to a German
    To decide which one is right
    Lord help the Hun
    The unlucky one
    Who’s picked out to decide
    History tells us that’s just how
    A thousand Huns died

Sung by Laurence Rubenstein: