Let The Rest of The World Go By

Ernest Roland Ball (1878–1927)

This is another one Mom used to sing at home and with Aunt Jeanette. I only heard them sing together once, in Milwaukee in 1951. They sang in loud, clear, lovely voices. I forget who sang melody and who sang harmony, but they sounded beautiful together. Years later, I asked them to sing again, but Jeanette said her singing days were behind her. I found that sad and scary.

Ernest Ball’s most famous song was, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” He wasn’t Irish but he wrote a number of Irish-themed songs, including “Mother Machree” and “A Little Bit of Heaven.” His grandson is Ernie Ball of guitar string fame.