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.
Bold O'donahue
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've broke the hearts of all the girls for miles round Keady town
And when they hear that I'm awa' they'll raise a hullabaloo
When they hear about that handsome lad they call Jack Donahue!
Well now I'm the boy to squeeze her, and I'm the boy to tease her
I'm the boy that can please her up and I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll court her like an Irishman
Wi' me brogue and blarney too is me plan
With the holligan, rolligan, swolligan, molligan bold O'Donahue!
I wish my love was a red. red rose growing on yon garden wall
And me to be a dewdrop and upon her brow I'd fall!
Perhaps now she might think of me as a rather heavy dew
And no more she'd love that handsome lad they call O'Donahue!
Well now I'm the boy to squeeze her, and I'm the boy to tease her
I'm the boy that can please her up and I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll court her like an Irishman
Wi' me brogue and blarney too is me plan
With the holligan, rolligan, swolligan, molligan bold O'Donahue!
Well I hear that Queen Victoria has a daughter fine and grand
Perhaps she'd take it into her head for to marry an Irishman
And if I could only get the chance to have a word or two
I'm sure she'd take a notion to the bold O'Donahue!
Well now I'm the boy to squeeze her, and I'm the boy to tease her
I'm the boy that can please her up and I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll court her like an Irishman
Wi' me brogue and blarney too is me plan
With the holligan, rolligan, swolligan, molligan bold O'Donahue!
Well now I'm the boy to squeeze her, and I'm the boy to tease her
I'm the boy that can please her up and I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll court her like an Irishman
Wi' me brogue and blarney too is me plan
With the holligan, rolligan, swolligan, molligan bold O'Donahue!
The Irish Rovers's song, Bold O'Donahue, is a fun and playful tune about a charming Irishman, Jack Donahue, who is known for his ability to win over the hearts of women. The first verse introduces Jack Donahue and his reputation for breaking hearts in his nearby town of Keady. The second verse highlights his ability to charm and please women, conveying his intention to court them with his Irish accent and smooth talking. The chorus repeats the idea that Jack Donahue is a bold and confident man, whose plan is to court women with his Irish charm.
The third verse is a romantic thought in which the singer wishes to be a dewdrop on his lover's brow. The verse also hints that perhaps his lover is not entirely happy with Jack Donahue's reputation for being a womanizer. The singer is trying to win her over by conveying his romantic side. The singer then proceeds to fantasize about marrying into royalty in the fourth verse, using his charm to win over Queen Victoria's daughter, which emphasizes his confidence and lofty goals.
Overall, Bold O'Donahue is a traditional Irish folk song that highlights the charisma of the Irish people. It showcases their charm, playfulness, and romantic nature. The song is an ode to Jack Donahue, who embodies these traits, and the romantic ideals of Irish culture.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, here I am from Paddy's land, a land of high renown
I am from Ireland, a country known for its reputation and culture.
I've broke the hearts of all the girls for miles round Keady town
I have been with many women in the area of Keady, and they have developed feelings for me.
And when they hear that I'm awa' they'll raise a hullabaloo
When the women find out that I have left town, they will become upset and make a scene.
When they hear about that handsome lad they call Jack Donahue!
The women will become upset because I am a charming and handsome man named Jack Donahue.
I'll court her like an Irishman
I will pursue her in the traditional Irish way.
Wi' me brogue and blarney too is me plan
I will use my Irish accent and charm to win her over.
With the holligan, rolligan, swolligan, molligan bold O'Donahue!
I am a confident and bold man named O'Donahue who uses his charm to his advantage.
I wish my love was a red. red rose growing on yon garden wall
I wish that the woman I love was as beautiful and delicate as a red rose.
And me to be a dewdrop and upon her brow I'd fall!
I would like to be with her and be as close to her as a dewdrop on her forehead.
Perhaps now she might think of me as a rather heavy dew
She may not have feelings for me and may consider me a nuisance.
And no more she'd love that handsome lad they call O'Donahue!
If she considers me a heavy dew, she may not love me as the charming man known as O'Donahue.
Well I hear that Queen Victoria has a daughter fine and grand
I have heard that Queen Victoria has a beautiful and wealthy daughter.
Perhaps she'd take it into her head for to marry an Irishman
Maybe Queen Victoria's daughter will consider marrying an Irishman.
And if I could only get the chance to have a word or two
If I could meet the daughter and speak to her, she may develop feelings for me.
I'm sure she'd take a notion to the bold O'Donahue!
If given the opportunity to charm her, Queen Victoria's daughter may fall for the confident and charming O'Donahue.
Contributed by Lincoln H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.