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.
Blow the Man Down
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, blow the man down, bullies, blow the man down
Way aye blow the man down
Oh, blow the man down, bullies, blow him away
Give me some time to blow the man down!
As I was a walking down Paradise Street
Way aye blow the man down
Give me some time to blow the man down!
The Irish Rovers's song Blow The Man Down features a traditional folk tune that has been popular for generations in many different versions. The lyrics tell a story of a sailor or "bully" who is blown down by the harsh winds and sea spray, but despite hardships, he keeps going. The opening line "Blow the man down," is a call to action for the sailors to ready themselves for the voyage and face the unknown head-on.
The singer of the song, likely a sailor, is walking down Paradise Street when he runs into a "pretty young damsel," whom he proceeds to flirt with. This encounter adds a playful element to the song, breaking up the otherwise gritty and rough sea shanty lyrics. The singer is asking for a moment to "blow the man down," presumably to catch his breath or take a break from the rigors of life on the high seas.
Line by Line Meaning
Blow The Man Down
Let's create strong gusts of wind to bring the man down.
Oh, blow the man down, bullies, blow the man down
Let's collectively blow hard enough to take down the man.
Way aye blow the man down
Affirmative response to the call for action in the previous line.
Oh, blow the man down, bullies, blow him away
Let's use our collective force to blow the man away as well.
Give me some time to blow the man down!
Requesting some time to gather strength and execute the task.
As I was a walking down Paradise Street
Narrator describes a setting.
Way aye blow the man down
Affirmative response to the call for action in the first stanza.
A pretty young damsel I chanced for to meet.
Narrator encounters a beautiful woman on the street.
Give me some time to blow the man down!
Requesting some time to gather strength and execute the task stated earlier.
Contributed by Madison P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.