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.

Bonnie Kellswater
The Irish Rovers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Here's a health to you, bonnie Kellswater
For its there you'll find the pleasures of life
And its there you'll find a fishing and farming
And a bonnie wee girl for your wife

On the hills and the glens and the valleys
Grows the softest of women so fine
And the flowers are all dripping with honey

There lives Martha, a true love of mine

Bonnie Martha, you're the first girl I courted
You're the one put my heart in a snare
And if ever I should lose you to another
I will leave my Kellswater so fair
For this one and that one may court her
But no other can take her from me
For I love her as I love my Kellswater
Like the primrose is loved by the bee

Here's a health to you, bonnie Kellswater
For its there you'll find the pleasures of life

And its there you'll find a fishing and farming
And a bonnie wee girl for your wife

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bonnie Kellswater by The Irish Rovers is a tribute to the beauty of the Kellswater river and the valley that surrounds it. It is a testament to the romantic and idyllic life that can be found in this place, and the pleasures of farming, fishing, and finding true love.

The singer's affection for the Kellswater river and the valley is apparent from the very beginning of the song as he raises a toast to the land that has given him so much joy. He speaks of the pleasures of life that can be found there, specifically highlighting the abundance of fishing and farming opportunities that exist in the area. However, the most significant pleasure for him is the beloved Martha, who resides in the valley.

The singer expresses his deep and undying love for Martha and recounts how she was the first girl he ever courted. He cannot imagine his life without her and vows to leave the Kellswater valley if he were to lose her to another man. He acknowledges that several other men may try to court her, but he is confident that no one can take her away from him.

Bonnie Kellswater is a beautiful and romantic song that celebrates the joys of rural life, farming, fishing, and finding true love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the beauty of the Kellswater river and the valley that surrounds it while also expressing the deeply personal and emotional bond that the singer shares with Martha.

Line by Line Meaning

Here's a health to you, bonnie Kellswater
A toast to the beauty and richness of Kellswater.

For its there you'll find the pleasures of life
In Kellswater, an abundance of joyous experiences awaits.

And its there you'll find a fishing and farming
The land in Kellswater is fertile and ideal for fishing and agriculture.

And a bonnie wee girl for your wife
Not only is Kellswater abundant in natural resources, but it is also home to beautiful women like Martha, who could become a spouse.

On the hills and the glens and the valleys
The entire Kellswater region is blessed with breathtaking landscapes.

Grows the softest of women so fine
Kellswater is the place where the most beautiful and gentle women reside.

And the flowers are all dripping with honey
The flowers in Kellswater are so sweet and bountiful, that one could easily pick them and taste the nectar.

There lives Martha, a true love of mine
Martha is a special and beloved person in the singer's life.

Bonnie Martha, you're the first girl I courted
Martha was the singer's first love in Kellswater.

You're the one put my heart in a snare
Martha had a bewitching effect on the singer's heart.

And if ever I should lose you to another
Should Martha fall for someone else, it would be unbearable for the singer.

I will leave my Kellswater so fair
Kellswater would lose its luster for the singer if Martha were to leave him.

For this one and that one may court her
Although many competitors may vie for Martha's affection, none will be able to ultimately win her from the singer.

But no other can take her from me
Martha belongs only to the singer.

For I love her as I love my Kellswater
The singer's affection for Martha is as strong as his admiration for Kellswater.

Like the primrose is loved by the bee
Martha is the object of the singer's desire, much like the way bees are attracted to the sweetness of primroses.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: WILL MILLAR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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