In 1968, the predecessor of the Juno’s named The Irish Rovers Canada’s, “Folk Group of the Year”, and the following year, they received a Grammy nomination for “Folk Performance of the Year”.
As hosts of three national television series in Canada and Ireland, through the 1970's and 80s, The Irish Rovers increased the popularity of Irish music by way of the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation).
Canada's Prime Minister, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, personally asked the band if they could “please become Canadian” so that they could officially represent Canada throughout the world. Since then, they have represented Canada at no less than five world Expos, and in recognition for a quarter century of contributions to the International music world, The Irish Rovers won the Performing Rights Organization's (PROCAN) 'Harold Moon Award'.
Although all members of the band hail from Ireland, a number of their biggest hits were often "non-Irish". Their own rousing, traditional Irish compositions, however, do comprise the bulk of their music.
By the 90’s, their songwriting was even more prolific than their early years, and production of albums wasn’t about to slow down. Since they desired the freedom that as a younger band, they could not afford, in ’93 The Irish Rovers established their own record company, Rover Records. Their songs tell the story of the Irish, whether it’s a lost love, a sailor on leave, or the simple good taste of a Guinness. Rover Records has put out their last eleven albums, including Celtic Collection, Come Fill Up Your Glasses, Down by the Lagan Side, Another Round, Still Rovin', a Christmas album, and their greatest hits, 40 Years A-Rovin'.
Founding member George Millar is from Ballymena, original member Wilcil McDowell is from Larne, John Reynolds from Belfast, Sean O'Driscoll from Cork, Ian Millar from Ballymena, and percussionist Fred Graham is also from Belfast.
Former members include founding member Jimmy Ferguson who passed away in 1997 and Joe Millar.
Across The Western Sea
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As I was walking down the street
Across the western ocean
A furry young lassie I did meet
Across the western sea
She was a beauty bound and stern
Across the western ocean
And for her treasures I did yearn
Oh when we reach the other shore
Across the western ocean
We'll drink like hell we'll rant and roar
Across the western sea
She asked if I'd stand a treat
Across the western ocean
I will says I for your so sweet
Across the western sea
Up to her quarters we did go
Across the western ocean
I kissed her from her head to toe
Across the western sea
Oh when we reach the other shore
Across the western ocean
We'll drink like hell we'll rant and roar
Across the western sea
We took no rest we forged ahead
Across the western ocean
We rocked and rolled around the bed
Across the western sea
Then heavy footstep on the stairs
Across the western ocean
Oh dear she says my husbands there
Across the western sea
Oh when we reach the other shore
Across the western ocean
We'll drink like hell we'll rant and roar
Across the western see
I left the bed put on me colthes
Across the western ocean
His fist it found me bare old nose
Across the western sea
He shoke me like a ragged doll
Across the western ocean
I was kicked about like an old football
Across the western sea
Oh when we reach the other shore
Across the western ocean
We'll drink like hell we'll rant and roar
Across the western sea
He'd murder me I quite well
Across the western ocean
So down the stairs I fell like hell
Across the western sea
Come sailor boys where ever ya be
Across the western ocean
I hope ya's all take mind of me
Across the western sea
Oh when we reach the other shore
Across the western ocean
We'll drink like hell we'll rant and roar
Across the western sea
Oh when we reach the other shore
Across the western ocean
We'll drink like hell we'll rant and roar
Across the western sea
The Irish Rovers' song, "Across The Western Sea," narrates a traveller's journey across the ocean where they meet a beautiful lassie. As they forge ahead, they spend the night together, but their affair is cut short when the woman's husband returns home unexpectedly. The traveller is beaten up and thrown down the stairs. In pain and injured, they seek help from the sailors on the ship, hoping they will take care of them when they reach the other shore.
The lyrics of the song are a representation of the traditional Irish music, where storytelling is an essential element. The lyrics tell a story of a traveller who goes on a journey and the events that happen during that journey. The song's chorus, "Oh when we reach the other shore, across the western sea, we'll drink like hell we'll rant and roar, across the western sea," gives a sense of anticipation of the journey's end.
The song has a melancholic tone with a dash of humour thrown in. It speaks of the challenges of leaving your home behind to venture out into a world unknown. The Irish Rovers' storytelling with the use of instruments like the fiddle, banjo, and accordion, takes you on a journey through the song's events, making it both entertaining and intriguing.
Line by Line Meaning
Across the Western ocean
I took a journey across the ocean.
As I was walking down the street
While strolling, I came across a young lady.
A furry young lassie I did meet
I met a beautiful woman.
She was a beauty bound and stern
The lady was beautiful and serious.
And for her treasures I did yearn
I desired her possessions.
Oh when we reach the other shore
We will have a good time on the other side of the ocean.
We'll drink like hell we'll rant and roar
We'll party hard and have fun.
She asked if I'd stand a treat
She asked if I would buy her a drink.
I will says I for your so sweet
I agreed because she was so charming.
Up to her quarters we did go
We went to her room.
I kissed her from her head to toe
I showed her physical affection.
We took no rest we forged ahead
We didn't slow down in our physical activity.
We rocked and rolled around the bed
We were physically intimate in bed.
Then heavy footstep on the stairs
We heard someone walking upstairs.
Oh dear she says my husbands there
She announced that her spouse arrived.
I left the bed put on me colthes
I got dressed quickly.
His fist it found me bare old nose
He punched me in the nose.
He shoke me like a ragged doll
He shook me violently.
I was kicked about like an old football
He kicked me repeatedly like a football.
He'd murder me I quite well
He was willing to kill me.
So down the stairs I fell like hell
I fell down the stairs quickly to escape.
Come sailor boys where ever ya be
I called out to fellow sailors.
I hope ya's all take mind of me
I hope they will remember me and my story.
Contributed by Samantha Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.