Thomas Moore: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

Erin! the tear and the smile in thine eyes

Thomas Moore

“Erin! the tear and the smile in thine eyes” as printed in Irish Melodies (1821).

Thomas Moore: Collected Lyrics Text 6 1821 · historical text
Public domainIrish songRomantic ballad
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from Irish Melodies, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

ERIN! THE TEAR AND THE SMILE IN

THINE EYES.

Verse 2

Erin! the tear and the smile in thine eyes,

Blend like the rainbow that hangs in thy skies!

Shining through sorrow's stream,

Saddening through pleasure's beam,

Thy suns, with doubtful gleam,

Weep while they rise!

Verse 3

Erin! thy silent tear never shall cease,

Erin! thy languid smile ne'er shall increase,.

Till, like the rainbow's light,

Thy various tints unite,

And form, in heaven's sight,

One arch of peace!

Credits

Written by Thomas Moore

Words by Thomas Moore (died 1852). Historical text published in Irish Melodies (1821); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

Irish Melodies (1821), “Erin! the tear and the smile in thine eyes”

Every lyric in this collection was written by Thomas Moore (1779-1852) and first published between 1808 and 1821 (music arranged by John Stevenson, 1761-1833); both contributors died more than 170 years ago, so the text is in the public domain worldwide, and the edition carries a pre-1931 United States public-domain tag. The credited author died in 1852.

How to read this historical text and its source

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-10-24. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
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