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.
Come In
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come in, come in bring your whole bloody clan
Take it slow and easy and I'll shake you by the hand
Sit you down I'll treat you decent, I'm an Irishman
I've traveled East, I've traveled West, I've roamed from town to town
I've cut the harvest down in Clare, met people of renown
Where ever I went the welcome mat was always waiting me'
Come in, come in I'll do the best I can
Come in, come in bring your whole bloody clan
Take it slow and easy and I'll shake you by the hand
Sit you down I'll treat you decent, I'm an Irishman
When I am gone some other place and my memories going dim
Raise your glass and join the toast, invite the colleens in
Then think about the good old times and you'll remember me
When good old songs were roaring out and the porter flowing free
Come in, come in I'll do the best I can
Come in, come in bring your whole bloody clan
Take it slow and easy and I'll shake you by the hand
Sit you down I'll treat you decent, I'm an Irishman
Come in, come in I'll do the best I can
Come in, come in bring your whole bloody clan
Take it slow and easy and I'll shake you by the hand
Sit you down I'll treat you decent, I'm an Irishman
The song "Come In" by The Irish Rovers is a lively invitation to friends and strangers alike to enter and enjoy the warm hospitality of an Irishman. The singer, who has traveled far and wide, claims that wherever he went, he was always welcomed with open arms. He invites everyone to sit down, relax, and share a drink with him, promising to treat them like family. The refrain "Come in, come in I'll do the best I can, Come in, come in bring your whole bloody clan" is a friendly and humorous way of saying that there is always room for more at the table, no matter how many people show up.
The song also has a nostalgic and sentimental aspect to it. The singer knows that one day he will be gone, but he wants his friends to remember him with fondness and celebrate the good times they shared together. He encourages them to keep the tradition of good old Irish songs and free-flowing porter alive, and to invite other girls to join in the festivities. The refrain becomes a kind of toast to friendship and happy memories.
Overall, "Come In" is a song that celebrates the spirit of Irish hospitality, camaraderie, and good times. It is a warm and inviting song that captures the essence of Irish culture and invites everyone to partake.
Line by Line Meaning
Come in, come in I'll do the best I can
Step inside, no need to be hesitant, I'll make you comfortable
Come in, come in bring your whole bloody clan
Everyone is welcome, your family and friends too
Take it slow and easy and I'll shake you by the hand
There's no need to rush, let me greet you properly
Sit you down I'll treat you decent, I'm an Irishman
I'll show you hospitality and respect, that's how I was raised
I've traveled East, I've traveled West, I've roamed from town to town
I've been all over, moving from place to place
I've cut the harvest down in Clare, met people of renown
I've worked the land and met famous folk in County Clare
Where ever I went the welcome mat was always waiting me'
Everywhere I went, I was greeted with warmth and kindness
So fill your glass along with us and old Ireland free
Let's raise a glass together and celebrate the spirit of Ireland
When I am gone some other place and my memories going dim
When I'm no longer here and my recollections are fading
Raise your glass and join the toast, invite the colleens in
Toast to the good times and welcome the lovely ladies
Then think about the good old times and you'll remember me
Remember the happy moments we shared and my spirit will remain
When good old songs were roaring out and the porter flowing free
When we were singing and drinking together without a care
Come in, come in I'll do the best I can
Once again, don't be shy, I'll try to make you feel at home
Come in, come in bring your whole bloody clan
Everyone is invited, young and old, big and small
Take it slow and easy and I'll shake you by the hand
No need to hurry, greet me properly and I'll do the same
Sit you down I'll treat you decent, I'm an Irishman
I'll treat you with kindness and courtesy, because that's who I am
Contributed by Mia T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.