A popular and long-running Canadian-Irish folk group that saw their beginni… Read Full Bio ↴A popular and long-running Canadian-Irish folk group that saw their beginning in the 1960s, The Irish Rovers are particularly well-known for their hit recording of Shel Silverstein's "The Unicorn," although a great many more of their characteristically happy and oft-comical songs remain well-known to this day. In 2010, the band celebrated 45 years as recording artists, with their latest CD, "Gracehill Fair" and filming the DVD/television special "Home in Ireland", shot entirely on-location, throughout the northwest coast of Ireland. George Millar says, “It’s basically The Irish Rovers ‘Coming Home’ because this is our home, for all of us. We want to show the world what the northwest Irish coast is like. I’ve traveled the world now for over 40 years and there’s nothing like it.”

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.

Bonnets of Bonnie Dundee
The Irish Rovers Lyrics

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Tae the Lords o' convention 'twas Claverhouse spoke
E'er the King's Crown go down there are crowns to be broke
So each caviler who loves honor and me
Let him follow the bonnets o' Bonnie Dundee

Come fill up my cup, come fill up can
Come saddle my horses and call out my men
Unhook the West Port and let us gae free

For it's up with the bonnets o' Bonnie Dundee

Dundee he is mounted and rides up the street
The bells tae ring backwards, the drums tae are beat
But the provost douce man says, 'Just let it be.'
When the toon is well rid o' that devil Dundee
Come fill up my cup, come fill up can
Come saddle my horses and call out my men
Unhook the West Port and let us gae free
For it's up with the bonnets o' Bonnie Dundee
There are hills beyond Pentland and lands beyond Forth
Be there lords in the south, there are chiefs in the north
There are brave downie wassles three thousand times three
Cry hey for the bonnets o' Bonnie Dundee
Come fill up my cup, come fill up can
Come saddle my horses and call out my men
Unhook the West Port and let us gae free
For it's up with the bonnets o' Bonnie Dundee
Then awa tae the hill to the lee and the rocks
Ere I own a usurper I'll crouch with the fox
So tremble false wigs in the midst of yer glee
For you've no seen the last of my bonnets and me Come fill up my cup, come fill up can
Come saddle my horses and call out my men

Unhook the West Port and let us gae free
For it's up with the bonnets o' Bonnie Dundee

Overall Meaning

The Irish Rovers's song "Bonnets of Bonnie Dundee" is a song that speaks of the rebellion of John Graham of Claverhouse who was a Scottish nobleman who fought on the side of the Stuart monarchs during the seventeenth century. The song is written from the perspective of Claverhouse, who is addressing his fellow cavaliers asking them to follow his lead and support the cause of the Stuart family. The song is a rallying cry that asks for the support of all those who believe in honor and loyalty to the monarchy.

The opening lines of the song speak of Claverhouse's determination to fight for the King's Crown and break the crowns of those who oppose him. He then goes on to ask for the support of all those who believe in honor and loyalty. The chorus of the song is a rallying cry for the cavaliers to gather together and follow the "bonnets o' Bonnie Dundee" (the distinctive hats worn by Claverhouse's men), and join in the fight for the monarch.

The second verse of the song speaks of the joy and excitement of Claverhouse's men as they prepare to go into battle. They fill up their cups and call out their men, ready to face any opposition that comes their way. The third verse speaks of the strong and powerful army that stands behind Claverhouse. He speaks of the hills beyond Pentland and lands beyond Forth and the thousands of brave men who stand with him.

The final verse of the song is a warning to all those who oppose Claverhouse and the Stuart monarchy. He warns them that he will never bow down to a usurper and that they will see the Bonnie Dundee and his bonnets again. The song ends with the same line that opens the chorus, "come fill up my cup, come fill up can, come saddle my horses and call out my men," signaling the unyielding determination of Claverhouse and his men to fight for their cause.

Bonnets of Bonnie DundeeThe Irish Rovers Lyrics

Ian Burt

on Bluenose

Bonnets of Bonnie Dundee
The Irish Rovers Lyrics