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.
Coulter's Candy
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sittin' on your mammy's knee
Waitin' for a wee bawbee (bawbee - halfpenny)
Tae buy some Coulter's candy
Ally Bally Ally Bally Bee
When you grow up you'll go to sea
Makin' pennies for your daddy and me
Mammy gie's ma thrifty doon (thrifty - money box)
Here's old Coulter comin' roon'
Wi' a basket on his croon (croon - head)
Sellin' Coulter's candy
Puir wee Annie, greetin' tae (puir wee - poor little)
What can puir wee mammy dae
Gie them a penny atween them twae
Tae buy some Coulter's candy
Puir wee Jeannie, she's lookin' awfu' thin
A rickle o' bones covered ower wi' skin (rickle - bundle)
Noo she's gettin' a wee double chin
Sookin' Coulter's candy
The lyrics to The Irish Rovers' song Coulter's Candy tell a story about a child sitting on their mother's lap, waiting for a halfpenny to buy Coulter's candy. The song continues, with the child growing up to go to sea and make money to buy candy for their parents. Coulter, the candy seller, comes around with his basket on his head, selling his candy, and the poor wee children, Annie and Jeannie, only have a penny between them to buy the candy. Despite being thin and bony, Jeannie eventually gets a double chin from sucking on Coulter's candy.
Line by Line Meaning
Ally Bally Ally Bally Bee
A lighthearted and playful way to address a child or a loved one
Sittin' on your mammy's knee
Sitting on your mother's lap, cozy and safe
Waitin' for a wee bawbee
Waiting for a halfpenny to buy some candy
Tae buy some Coulter's candy
To buy some of the famous Coulter's candy, which could potentially brighten up the day
When you grow up you'll go to sea
You will become a sailor and travel the world when you get older
Makin' pennies for your daddy and me
Working hard to earn money for your family
Here's old Coulter comin' roon'
A familiar sight of Mr. Coulter making his rounds selling his candy
Wi' a basket on his croon
With a basket on his head, carrying his delightful treats
Puir wee Annie, greetin' tae
Poor little Annie, crying
What can puir wee mammy dae
What can her poor mother do to comfort her
Gie them a penny atween them twae
Give them a penny to share, to buy some candy and potentially provide a moment of happiness
Puir wee Jeannie, she's lookin' awfu' thin
Poor little Jeannie is looking very thin, frail and fragile
A rickle o' bones covered ower wi' skin
Emphasizing how skinny and unhealthy Jeannie looks, with just skin and bones
Noo she's gettin' a wee double chin
Now she is enjoying Coulter's candy and gaining a bit of weight, which is seen as cute
Sookin' Coulter's candy
Sucking and savoring the delicious candy
Contributed by Lucy N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.