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.
Cape Anne
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can go with the worst and the best
But don't ever sail with old Ingleman
Each trip you go on could well be your last.
Don't you remember Cape Anne, boys
Don't you remember Cape Anne.
You'll never catch me on the trawl again
Don't you remember the shore, boys
Don't you remember the shore
And the old man asleep at the wheel, boys
My God! It was black as coal.
Don't you remember Cape Anne, boys
Don't you remember Cape Anne.
You'll never catch me on the trawl again
For it's surely no life for a dog or a man.
Well the mate was the one with the gall
He got the old man away from the wheel
And he took him below and he locked up the hatch
And he threw all the booze o'er the rail.
Don't you remember Cape Anne, boys
Don't you remember Cape Anne.
But don't ever sail with old Ingleman
Each trip you go on could well be your last.
Don't you remember Cape Anne, boys
Don't you remember Cape Anne.
You'll never catch me on the trawl again
For it's surely no life for a dog or a man.
The Irish Rovers' song "Cape Anne" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of sailing with an unreliable captain. The song describes the treacherous journey of a fishing boat off the coast of Cape Ann, Massachusetts, and the harrowing experiences of the crew. The lyrics warn against sailing with the captain referred to as "old Ingleman" as each trip could well be their last.
The song starts by advising that one may choose to spend their days on a dory boat and travel with the "worst and the best," but they should never sail with old Ingleman. The following verse reminisces about the horrifying events that happened on Cape Ann and declares that it was not a life suitable for anyone, not even a dog. The chorus warns about remembering Cape Ann and not getting caught in such dangerous situations.
The next verse recalls the memories of the shore where everything was pitch black, and the old man was asleep at the wheel. The chorus repeats the warning of not forgetting about Cape Ann and the dangers that come with sailing with old Ingleman. The final verse depicts how the mate takes control of the situation and maneuvers the boat by getting the old man away from the wheel and locking him up. All the alcohol onboard the ship was thrown overboard, and the crew continued without the old captain.
Overall, "Cape Anne" is a message for seafarers to be cautious of the captain they choose to sail with, as the wrong choice could be a matter of life and death.
Line by Line Meaning
You can pass your days on the dory boat
Spending your time on a small fishing vessel can be a way of life
You can go with the worst and the best
You can sail with skilled or unskilled fishermen
But don't ever sail with old Ingleman
Do not go on a trip with the unreliable captain, Ingleman
Each trip you go on could well be your last
Ingleman's risky behavior makes every voyage dangerous
Don't you remember Cape Anne, boys
Do you recall the events that happened at Cape Anne?
You'll never catch me on the trawl again
I will not risk my life fishing in dangerous conditions
For it's surely no life for a dog or a man
Fishing in treacherous waters is not a life worth living
Don't you remember the shore, boys
Do you recall the safety of shore before leaving for the sea?
And the old man asleep at the wheel, boys
The captain became drunk and unable to steer the ship
My God! It was black as coal.
The conditions were dark and dangerous
Well the mate was the one with the gall
The mate was brave and had the courage to intervene
He got the old man away from the wheel
The mate removed the intoxicated captain from the helm
And he took him below and he locked up the hatch
The mate secured the captain below deck
And he threw all the booze o'er the rail.
The mate disposed of the captain's alcohol, removing the temptation
Contributed by Isaac N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.