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 and Dance to Paddy's Reels
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I danced with hedon maidens and got drunk with hairy men;
In far and distant countries I have rosined up me bow,
And the door was always open while old Paddy let her go.
Well, come and dance Paddy's reels, share a bottle with a friend,
And it won't be long till we're too old for whiskey in the glen;
So, while the fiddle strings are new and the piper's reed in tune,
Well, somewehere in the deepest heart of every mother's son,
A touch of what was Ireland through the soul begins to run;
When the jigs and reels begin to flow they seem to weave a spell,
They're as old as time and laughter and what stories they can tall.
So, come and dance Paddy's reels, share a bottle with a friend,
And it won't be long till we're too old for whiskey in the glen;
So, while the fiddle strings are new and the piper's reed in tune,
Put the dresser out into the yard and dance around the room.
Come out and dance at Paddy's reels for we might not meet again,
But while you're so up beneath the roof we'll dance from now till then;
And heaven just might take us fore Saint Pete gets time to feel,
That an angel choir could use a night of Paddy's jigs and reels.
Come and dance Paddy's reels, share a bottle with a friend,
And it won't be long till we're too old for whiskey in the glen;
So, while the fiddle strings are new and the piper's reed in tune,
Put the dresser out into the yard and dance around the room.
Come and dance Paddy's reels, share a bottle with a friend,
And it won't be long till we're too old for whiskey in the glen;
So, while the fiddle strings are new and the piper's reed in tune,
Put the dresser out into the yard and dance around the room.
Come and dance Paddy's reels, share a bottle with a friend,
And it won't be long till we're too old for whiskey in the glen;
So, while the fiddle strings are new and the piper's reed in tune,
Put the dresser out into the yard and dance around the room.
The Irish Rovers' song "Come and Dance to Paddy's Reels" is a joyful invitation to come and enjoy traditional Irish music with friends. The lyrics tell the story of a musician who has traveled the world playing his tunes but has now returned home to share his music with those around him. The song emphasizes the importance of dancing and celebrating with loved ones while we still have the chance.
The verse "well, somewhere in the deepest heart of every mother's son, a touch of what was Ireland through the soul begins to run" speaks to the idea that despite cultural differences, there is something universal about music that speaks to all of us on a soul level. The lyrics also suggest that traditional music carries with it the power of storytelling and laughter, connecting us to the past and creating memories for the future.
Overall, the song is a call to let go of our worries and join together in celebration, enjoying the moment while it lasts.
Line by Line Meaning
I've played me tunes around the world and now I'm home again,
After playing music all around the world, the singer has returned home.
I danced with hedon maidens and got drunk with hairy men;
The singer has had wild experiences dancing with women and drinking with men during their travels.
In far and distant countries I have rosined up me bow,
The singer has played music in many different countries.
And the door was always open while old Paddy let her go.
The artist was always welcome to play music wherever they went and would often play with someone named Paddy.
Well, come and dance Paddy's reels, share a bottle with a friend,
The artist is inviting others to come dance to Paddy's reels and enjoy each other's company over a bottle of alcohol.
And it won't be long till we're too old for whiskey in the glen;
The singer acknowledges that they won't be able to enjoy whiskey or dancing forever as they will get older.
So, while the fiddle strings are new and the piper's reed in tune,
The singer suggests dancing while the instruments are in good condition and sound good.
Put the dresser out into the yard and dance around the room.
The artist suggests moving furniture outside to make room for dancing and having fun.
Well, somewehere in the deepest heart of every mother's son,
The artist believes that there is something inherently Irish in everyone.
A touch of what was Ireland through the soul begins to run;
A bit of Irish culture comes alive within each person when traditional music is played.
When the jigs and reels begin to flow they seem to weave a spell,
The singer suggests that Irish music has an almost magical quality that captivates those who hear it.
They're as old as time and laughter and what stories they can tall.
Irish music is timeless and has a way of making people laugh and tell stories.
Come out and dance at Paddy's reels for we might not meet again,
The singer wants to make the most of the moment and invites others to dance since they may never have the chance again.
But while you're so up beneath the roof we'll dance from now till then;
The singer plans on dancing from now until the end of the night, while they are still able to.
And heaven just might take us fore Saint Pete gets time to feel,
The singer jokes that they might die and go to heaven before Saint Peter has time to judge them, but they'll be happy knowing they danced to Paddy's music.
That an angel choir could use a night of Paddy's jigs and reels.
The artist believes that even angels in heaven would benefit from the joy of dancing to Paddy's music.
Come and dance Paddy's reels, share a bottle with a friend,
The artist repeats the invitation to dance and enjoy good company over drinks.
And it won't be long till we're too old for whiskey in the glen;
The singer reminds us that time is fleeting and we won't be able to enjoy such moments forever.
So, while the fiddle strings are new and the piper's reed in tune,
Again, the singer emphasizes the importance of dancing while the music sounds good.
Put the dresser out into the yard and dance around the room.
The artist repeats the suggestion to make room for dancing and have a good time.
Contributed by Adalyn J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@calebgallagher5439
I've never seen or heard anything like this before I was 18 years old its very nice
@Deadman3RIP
I LOVE THE BANJO.
@photoallan
what is not to like about their music? Always raises my spirits!
@relimes
irish music bands arent supposed to have drums, the dubliners dont have drums.