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 of It
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
they're rowin' and squabblin'
there seems to be somethin' awry
For the last 14 nights
they've been havin' a fight
and we can always hear the same cry
Give me all of it, all of it
not just a bit of it
The long and the tall
and the rise and the fall
of it all of it all of it all.
The priest at the alter
was noticed to falter
he seemed to be weak at the knee
as a deacon poured out
the red wine from his cup
we could make out
his virtuous plea
Give me all of it, all of it
not just a bit of it
none of your quarters, your thirds or your halves
The long and the tall
and the rise and the fall
of it all of it all of it all.
the fiddler was playin'
below in the kitchen
in the sweet after-hours
that are best
when he left out the piece
and to turn out the
and the dancers
all stopped to request
Give me all of it, all of it
not just a bit of it
none of your quarters, your thirds or your halves
The long and the tall
and the rise and the fall
of it all of it all of it all.
Now the barman was fillin'
and waitin' and spillin'
as the drinkers discussed this and that
with his thumb in the measure
he rose in displeasure
and he brought this response from one man
Give me all of it, all of it
not just a bit of it
none of your quarters, your thirds or your halves
The long and the tall
and the rise and the fall
of it all of it all of it all.
O I have not the gumption or the
to finish the song
with a verse that succeeds
but I trust you can taste
and I know you won't waste
yours and my precious time
if you scream
Give me all of it, all of it
not just a bit of it
none of your quarters, your thirds or your halves
The long and the tall
the rise and the fall
of it all of it all of it all.
Give me all of it, all of it
not just a bit of it
none of your quarters, your thirds or your halves
The long and the tall
the rise and the fall
of it all of it all of it all.
The Irish Rovers’ song “All of It” uses a humorous approach to explore the idea of being satisfied with nothing less than the full experience. The lyrics describe several scenes where people are demanding “all of it,” including a couple fighting, a priest delivering a sermon, a fiddler playing a tune, and drinkers at a bar. The phrase “all of it” is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the importance of experiencing life to its fullest.
The first verse describes the fighting couple, with the singer remarking on their constant arguments. The second verse features a priest who becomes overwhelmed by the sight of the red wine being poured during communion. The third verse focuses on a fiddler playing in a kitchen, with the dancers demanding that he play the full tune. The fourth verse takes place in a bar, where a customer demands a full drink rather than a partial measure. The song ends with the singer admitting that he doesn’t have the inspiration to finish the song with a final verse, but still encouraging listeners to demand “all of it.”
Line by Line Meaning
Oh dear what's the problem
Introducing the subject matter which appears to have caused concern to the singer.
they're rowin' and squabblin'
Describing an ongoing argument or fight amongst a group of people.
there seems to be somethin' awry
Implying that there is something wrong or unusual occurring.
For the last 14 nights
Highlighting the duration of the situation.
they've been havin' a fight
Confirming that the group has indeed been fighting constantly.
and we can always hear the same cry
Emphasizing that the argument always involves a specific demand or phrase.
Give me all of it, all of it\nnot just a bit of it\nnone of your quarters, your thirds or your halves
Repeating the demand that is causing the fight amongst the group, which is for the full amount of something and not just a portion.
The long and the tall\nand the rise and the fall\nof it all of it all of it all.
Further emphasizing the demand and the idea that the entirety of something is what is being sought after.
The priest at the alter\nwas noticed to falter\nhe seemed to be weak at the knee
Describing the physical reaction of a priest to the ongoing argument, which appears to have gotten to him emotionally.
as a deacon poured out\nthe red wine from his cup\nwe could make out\nhis virtuous plea
Describing a plea made by someone (possibly the deacon) in the face of the ongoing argument.
the fiddler was playin'\nbelow in the kitchen\nin the sweet after-hours\nthat are best
Describing a scene where a fiddler is playing music in a kitchen during a time that is considered relaxing or enjoyable.
when he left out the piece\nand to turn out the\nand the dancers\nall stopped to request
Describing a moment when the music suddenly stopped and the dancers asked for the same demand as before - the full amount of something.
Now the barman was fillin'\nand waitin' and spillin'\nas the drinkers discussed this and that
Describing a scene where the barman is serving drinks while customers talk amongst themselves.
with his thumb in the measure\nhe rose in displeasure\nand he brought this response from one man
Describing a moment when the barman became angry and a customer responded with the same demand as before.
O I have not the gumption or the\nto finish the song\nwith a verse that succeeds
Admitting that there is not enough motivation or creativity to come up with a satisfactory conclusion to the song.
but I trust you can taste\nand I know you won't waste\nyours and my precious time\nif you scream
Concluding the song with a plea to the audience to understand and appreciate the message being conveyed, and to demand the full amount of something they seek.
Give me all of it, all of it\nnot just a bit of it\nnone of your quarters, your thirds or your halves\nThe long and the tall\nthe rise and the fall\nof it all of it all of it all.
Repeating once more the central demand of the song, that the full amount of something should be given and that this idea applies to all aspects of life.
Contributed by Jeremiah S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
The Casual Gamer
"The Unicorn" by The Irish Rovers is such a timeless classic, and I can't help but get swept away every time I hear it. The lyrics are so full of vivid imagery, and they bring to life a world of fantastical creatures like green alligators and long-necked geese. The idea of these creatures running around freely while the earth was being born is just so enchanting, and it's easy to see why the Unicorn was considered the loveliest of them all.
It's interesting to see how the Unicorns are tied into the story of Noah's Ark, with God ordering Noah to build a floating zoo and make sure he doesn't forget the Unicorns. The scene of the Unicorns hiding and playing silly games while the rain was pouring is just so charming and playful, and it's easy to see why they were such a beloved creature.
But despite the rain and the rising waters, the Unicorns were not included on the Ark, and that's why we'll never see them to this day. This song provides us with a glimpse of what it might have been like to live in a world filled with Unicorns, and it's a shame that we'll never get to experience that for ourselves.
In conclusion, "The Unicorn" by The Irish Rovers is a true masterpiece, and it's a song that will always hold a special place in my heart. Whether you're a fan of classic children's music, or just a lover of imaginative and melodic tunes, this song is sure to bring a smile to your face and a song to your lips.
#TheIrishRovers #TheUnicorn #Noah #Arks #Creatures #Imagination #Melody #MusicLovers #70sMusic #ChildrensMusic #TimelessClassics #VividImagery #FantasyCreatures #PlayfulLyrics #CatchyMelody #BeeGees #MileyCyrus #WonderAndMagic #MusicThatBringsJoy.
Debera Stewart
My father always sang this to my daughter when she was little and on St Paddy's day would call her and sang to her - RIP Daddy :-(
Richard Ambrose
Always played several times during the St. Pat’s festivities at my local Irish Pub.
michael angshuk biswas
Don't worry. He is in Heaven praying for all of us. Be happy that we now have an extra Saint up in Heaven praying for you and me.
Bass&bluegill
Sorry for your loss
1allanbmw
This is one of those little jewels of your youth, that you don't see much of anymore as an adult, but is prized above almost all else from your young life and treasures. You want everyone to know it, hear it, and love it as much as you do, but at the same time, don't want to share it else the shine wears off or people might take it for granted. I heard it today on a little radio station in central Utah and I had to just pull over, stop and reminisce when I was 8 and this was a new song to me (1967). I think it endeared me even more to Ireland and all things from Shannon. It's really wonderful to be able to find it here on YT and share it with others once more. Thank you for posting it! God bless!
The Casual Gamer
"The Unicorn" by The Irish Rovers is such a timeless classic, and I can't help but get swept away every time I hear it. The lyrics are so full of vivid imagery, and they bring to life a world of fantastical creatures like green alligators and long-necked geese. The idea of these creatures running around freely while the earth was being born is just so enchanting, and it's easy to see why the Unicorn was considered the loveliest of them all.
It's interesting to see how the Unicorns are tied into the story of Noah's Ark, with God ordering Noah to build a floating zoo and make sure he doesn't forget the Unicorns. The scene of the Unicorns hiding and playing silly games while the rain was pouring is just so charming and playful, and it's easy to see why they were such a beloved creature.
But despite the rain and the rising waters, the Unicorns were not included on the Ark, and that's why we'll never see them to this day. This song provides us with a glimpse of what it might have been like to live in a world filled with Unicorns, and it's a shame that we'll never get to experience that for ourselves.
In conclusion, "The Unicorn" by The Irish Rovers is a true masterpiece, and it's a song that will always hold a special place in my heart. Whether you're a fan of classic children's music, or just a lover of imaginative and melodic tunes, this song is sure to bring a smile to your face and a song to your lips.
#TheIrishRovers #TheUnicorn #Noah #Arks #Creatures #Imagination #Melody #MusicLovers #70sMusic #ChildrensMusic #TimelessClassics #VividImagery #FantasyCreatures #PlayfulLyrics #CatchyMelody #BeeGees #MileyCyrus #WonderAndMagic #MusicThatBringsJoy.
Bina Craine
The song that started it all... Glory be to the Unicorn Song - what WOULD we all have done without the Irish Rovers??
ana arbués
Hey??? Irish? But we sing it in Spanish!! I thought it was a translation from the Spanish folk
gregzsidisin
An old Irish tune... Written by a Jewish guy from Chicago, the famed Shel Silverstein. I only discovered this within the past few years. )))
musicbox193
SHel Silverstein wrote it