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.
Dont Fly Away
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Bout the bird with a broken wing
And how the young boy takes her in
Until she's well enough to fly again
And when it's time for her to go
You hare the you boy say
Don't fly away pretty bird and leave me crying over you
Why you could never understand
The way I love you like I do
But I cannot fly and I wish you'd stay
That's a touching irony
In that song for you and me
'Case I love you totally
But you keep saying that you've gotta be free
And now it's time for you to go
Listen to me say
If I Could only change your wild and wandering ways
But I've done everything I can
So one last time now hear me say
The Irish Rovers' song "Don't Fly Away" speaks of the bittersweet moment when a young boy takes in a bird with a broken wing and cares for it until it's well enough to fly again. However, when it's time for the bird to leave, the boy begs her not to fly away, expressing his deep love and fear of losing her. The song beautifully captures the complexity of love, specifically the love that is so strong that it becomes heartbreaking.
The first verse of the song highlights the boy's love and care for the pretty bird, which can be seen as a metaphor for a significant other. The boy's words, "Don't fly away pretty bird and leave me crying over you, leaving me wondering why, why you could never understand the way I love you like I do," portray his fear of being left alone and abandoned by his love. The lyrics also suggest that the boy's affections are not reciprocated by his love, which adds a touch of heartbreak to the song. The poignant irony can be found in the second verse when the boy addresses his own romantic partner, expressing his feelings of love and apprehension while asking her to stay with him.
Overall, "Don't Fly Away" is a poignant and moving song about love, which captures the complex feelings of longing, desire, and heartbreak. The Irish Rovers did an excellent job in blending heart-tugging lyrics with melodic and harmonious tunes, making the song a timeless classic.
Line by Line Meaning
That's a touching song you sing
The listener acknowledges that the singer's song is moving.
'Bout the bird with a broken wing
The song is about a bird that is injured and unable to fly.
And how the young boy takes her in
The boy takes in the wounded bird and cares for it.
Until she's well enough to fly again
The boy nurtures the bird until it can fly again.
And when it's time for her to go
When the bird is ready to leave.
You hare the you boy say
The singer notes that the boy is about to make an emotional plea.
Don't fly away pretty bird and leave me crying over you
The boy begs the bird not to leave him alone and upset.
Leaving me wondering why
The boy questions why the bird cannot understand how much he cares.
Why you could never understand
The boy expresses confusion over the bird's inability to comprehend his love.
The way I love you like I do
The singer reveals the depth of the boy's affection for the bird.
But I cannot fly and I wish you'd stay
Despite his powerful attachment, the boy acknowledges that he cannot keep the bird from flying away.
That's a touching irony
The singer observes an ironic twist in the story.
In that song for you and me
The singer ponders how the song might relate to the listener's life too.
'Cause I love you totally
The singer declares their love completely.
But you keep saying that you've gotta be free
The singer's lover repeatedly emphasizes their need for freedom.
And now it's time for you to go
The singer's partner is ready to leave.
Listen to me say
The singer wants their partner to hear them out.
If I Could only change your wild and wandering ways
The singer wishes they could alter their lover's restless behavior.
But I've done everything I can
Despite their efforts, the singer has tried every way to make their partner stay but failed.
So one last time now hear me say
This is the last opportunity for the singer to make their point.
Writer(s): Tom Northcott
Contributed by Adalyn S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Liz Hill
One of my fave Rover's songs. Jimmy Ferguson had a lovely voice :)
thegreatluigi
Is it just me, or does this not really sound like the Irish Rovers?
Quinton Center
The Irish Rovers had a brief period where they renamed themselves "The Rovers" and switched to rock and roll.
Shannondoah Henley
That has to be The irish Rovers, I hear them in this. it just them. :)
Bob Veinne
+thegreatluigi yeah, they seem to be more rock and roll, i can really hear Jimmy Ferguson, but they seem to be playing rock and roll, i think they shouldn't, but that's just me....
Maureen McC
Love the song on the Hardstuff album - which Rover is singing this catchy tune xxx
Cheers xxx
Ed Landry
That’s the late , great Jimmy Ferguson.
78smusicman
Sounds like Jim Ferguson .
trex_gamer
By Christ all might somebody get me a jack black cherry on rocks
Wolfwolveswolf
IRISH ROVERS