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.
All Sing Together
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We'd go for a pint every evenin'
Though it's been meany years, I still love to hear
The Sound of those harmonies weavin'
When we'll all sing together
May our hearts be there with you whenever you go
Yes, we'll all sing together
When I got away, well there's never a day
I don't think of those waitin' for us
'Cuz you know when I'm back, we'll all rise a glass
And we'll lift up our voices in chorus
Then we'll all sing together
May our hearts be there with you whenever you go
Yes, we'll all sing together
'Til it's time to go home
Yes we'll all sing together
May our hearts be there with you whenever you go
Yes, we'll all sing together
'Til it's time to go home
Yes we'll all sing together
May our hearts be there with you whenever you go
Yes, we'll all sing together
'Til it's time to go home
The Irish Rovers's song "All Sing Together" is a heartfelt piece that tells the story of friendship and camaraderie through the lens of shared musical experiences. The lyrics paint a picture of the singer reminiscing about his youth, where he would spend his evenings with his best friend, drinking pints and listening to harmonies. Despite the passing of time, the singer still cherishes these moments and values them dearly.
In the song's chorus, the lyrics express a desire to sing together with friends, no matter where life takes them. The repetition of "May our hearts be there with you whenever you go" emphasizes the importance of emotional connection in this shared musical experience. The idea that singing together can bring people closer and create a sense of belonging is a central theme of the song.
Overall, the song speaks to the universal human need for connection and how music can bring people together. The harmonious melodies and nostalgic lyrics evoke a sense of warmth and unity that resonates with listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was a lad, with the friend that I had
We'd go for a pint every evenin'
Though it's been meany years, I still love to hear
The Sound of those harmonies weavin'
As a young boy, I used to enjoy going to the pub with my friend every evening. Although many years have passed, I still have fond memories of the harmonies we created.
When we'll all sing together
May our hearts be there with you whenever you go
Yes, we'll all sing together
'Til it's time to go home
When we all sing together, our hearts are united no matter where we go. We will continue singing together until it's time for us to depart.
When I got away, well there's never a day
I don't think of those waitin' for us
'Cuz you know when I'm back, we'll all rise a glass
And we'll lift up our voices in chorus
Even when I'm away, I never forget about my friends who are waiting for my return. When I do come back, we will raise a glass and sing together in harmony.
Then we'll all sing together
May our hearts be there with you whenever you go
Yes, we'll all sing together
'Til it's time to go home
Once we are reunited, we will sing together with our hearts connected no matter where we are. We will continue singing together until it's time for us to depart.
Yes we'll all sing together
May our hearts be there with you whenever you go
Yes, we'll all sing together
'Til it's time to go home
Whenever we sing together, our hearts will always be united, regardless of where life takes us. We will continue singing together until it's time for us to depart.
Contributed by Arianna P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
The Irish Rovers
This is a video of the lyrics over the song so everyone can sing along.
Jacob Flynn
@The Irish Rovers Oh I didnt know that
The Irish Rovers
@Jacob Flynn you're thinking of Ian Millar.
Jacob Flynn
@The Irish Rovers he was a good singer I thought he was still alive because there is someone your crew that sound just like him
The Irish Rovers
@Jacob Flynn We certainly do.
Jacob Flynn
You must miss Jim
Don Brynelsen
Excellent song. Brought back memories of when I was younger and my Circle of friends, many now passed on😞
Keith Hanley
I've been a fan of the Irish Rovers since I was just a wee lad - my parents had their album "The Unicorn" and I would make them play it all the time. Then they got their TV show in 1971 when I was seven years old, and I fell in love with Jimmy Ferguson - I wanted to be just like him when I grew up. He was my role model, my mentor, my imaginary best friend, my pretend big brother, and it broke my heart when he died. I still love him and miss him - even though I never got the chance to meet him, I still think of him as family. Thank you, Jennifer, for this wonderful video tribute, and thank you to George Millar and the other members of the Irish Rovers (past and present) for a lifetime of great music, great fun, and great memories. And, George, if you read this, I really hope you start recruiting some younger members to carry on the tradition for another 50+ years! Sláinte mhaith.
First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak Mi
Tis very nice to hear Jimmy again, what a wonderful voice.... Still play this CD quite often.
Kim Moller
Great job Jennifer! I have to admit, had to fight the lump in my throat listening to Jimmy sing this one, then that last shot of his iconic grin....very well done!