Expert: Lorry - 5/3/2004

Question
hi dont know if i am in the right site but can you tell me how the saying living the life of reilly came about  regards Peter

Answer
Hi Peter,

What is the origin of "the life of Riley"? "life of Reilly"?
(Etymology)

It is said that this expression originated in the 1880s from a song called, "Is that Mr. Reilly?". The song contained lyrics such as "a hundred a day would be my pay", and other comedic speculation about what "Mr. Reilly" would do if he were to become wealthy. The earliest recorded citation for "life of Reilly", however, is in 1919, where the "life of Reilly" is referred to in another song, "...but I'm living the life of Reilly just the same..."

From: http://www.yaelf.com/questions.shtml

Hope this helps!
Lorry