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.
Down Among the Bushes of Jerusalem
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And all denominations, a song I sing to you
It's all about a young man, a rebel through and through
Down among the bushes of Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, down among the bushes of Jerusalem
Born of honest parents and below a shining star
The word went 'round the country and they came from near and far
Down among the bushes of Jerusalem
They slaughtered all the children, every one that they could find
Just that they be sure that they would kill the rebel child
But somehow he deceived them, all the soldiers fierce and wild
Down among the bushes of Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, down among the bushes of Jerusalem
He grew into a strapping lad, and helped around the home
But voices they kept calling, and he was inclined to roam
The losers and boozers, he would count among his own
Down among the bushes of Jerusalem
As far as I can see, you see, the Pharisee did say
You know your Bible fairly well, you'll make a priest someday
But you'd better tow the line, me boy or there'll be hell to pay
Down among the bushes of Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, down among the bushes of Jerusalem
He met the Mary Magdalen, a lovely girl was she
O look who's comin' now, they said, the girl of no degree
I'd rather have her near to me, more than your hypocrisy
Down among the bushes of Jerusalem
He went into the churches, and he saw the shining gold
And people there were starvin' of the hunger and the cold
He talked about injustice, just be careful he was told
Down among the bushes of Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, down among the bushes of Jerusalem
[Instrumental]
Now if you are a rebel, and no Judas, he did say
Come burn the Roman empire down, we'll change the flag today
It's the human heart I'm changing, this young rebel he did say
Down among the bushes of Jerusalem
We're taking him to Calvary, it's easier you see
Than try and turn the other cheek, and love thine enemy
We're loyal to our own crowd, to our scribes and pharisee
Down among the bushes of Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, down among the bushes of Jerusalem
[Instrumental]
The Irish Rovers's song "Down Among the Bushes of Jerusalem" tells a story that encompasses themes of rebellion, persecution, and unwavering faith. The song's protagonist is a young man, born to honest parents under a shining star. He grows up to be a "rebel through and through" and questions the motives of those in power. His rebellion threatens the establishment, and they seek to silence him by slaughtering all the children they can find. However, the young man's cunning allows him to escape the brutal attack.
Despite escaping the initial persecution, the young man's life continues to be plagued by those who seek to undermine his beliefs. He encounters the Mary Magdalene, who he sees as a kindred spirit, and he speaks out against the injustices present in the church. His words are met with resistance, and he is ultimately taken to Calvary, where he is crucified. The song ends on a somber note, with the establishment remaining loyal to their own circles.
Line by Line Meaning
Come listen gentle Christians, and you Jews and Gentiles too
Attention all people of all religions and backgrounds, I have a song to share with you.
And all denominations, a song I sing to you
This song is for anyone and everyone, regardless of their religious affiliation.
It's all about a young man, a rebel through and through
This song tells the story of a young man who was a rebel in every sense of the word.
Down among the bushes of Jerusalem
His story takes place in Jerusalem, specifically in the bushes.
Born of honest parents and below a shining star
This young man was born to honest parents and beneath a bright star.
The word went 'round the country and they came from near and far
News about this young man spread far and wide and people traveled great distances to see him.
The royal family worried he might undermine their power
The royal family was concerned that this young man's influence could threaten their authority.
They slaughtered all the children, every one that they could find
In order to eliminate the young man, the soldiers killed all the children in the area.
Just that they be sure that they would kill the rebel child
Their goal was to make absolutely certain that the young man would not survive.
But somehow he deceived them, all the soldiers fierce and wild
Despite the soldiers' best efforts, the young man managed to escape and evade them.
He grew into a strapping lad, and helped around the home
As he matured, the young man became a strong and capable young adult who took on responsibilities around the house.
But voices they kept calling, and he was inclined to roam
However, he felt a strong pull to explore and wander, and could not resist the call.
The losers and boozers, he would count among his own
He felt a connection to those who were seen as outcasts or misfits, and considered them to be his people.
As far as I can see, you see, the Pharisee did say
A Pharisee commented on the young man's biblical knowledge and potential to become a priest.
You know your Bible fairly well, you'll make a priest someday
The Pharisee believed that the young man had a strong understanding of the Bible and could become a priest in the future.
But you'd better tow the line, me boy or there'll be hell to pay
However, the Pharisee warned the young man that he must adhere to certain rules and expectations, or he would face severe consequences.
He met the Mary Magdalen, a lovely girl was she
The young man fell in love with Mary Magdalen, whom he found to be beautiful and captivating.
O look who's comin' now, they said, the girl of no degree
Others did not see Mary Magdalen in the same way, and judged her for not having a high social standing.
I'd rather have her near to me, more than your hypocrisy
Despite others' disapproval, the young man preferred Mary Magdalen's company over their hypocritical judgment.
He went into the churches, and he saw the shining gold
The young man went into churches and saw the wealth and luxury present there.
And people there were starvin' of the hunger and the cold
However, he also saw that there were people outside of the church who were suffering from hunger and poverty.
He talked about Injustice, just be careful he was told
When the young man spoke out about this inequality, he was cautioned to be cautious and wary of making enemies.
Now if you are a rebel, and no Judas, he did say
The young man spoke to others who were rebellious and encouraged them to overthrow the oppressors, but to do so without betraying their values.
Come burn the Roman empire down, we'll change the flag today
He suggested that they band together to burn down the oppressive Roman empire and start a new, more equal society.
It's the human heart I'm changing, this young rebel he did say
However, he believed that true change could only come from within individuals' hearts and minds, and urged them to start there.
We're taking him to Calvary, it's easier you see
The authorities decided to take the young man to Calvary to be executed, as that was seen as a simpler solution than trying to negotiate with him or change their ways.
Than try and turn the other cheek, and love thine enemy
They preferred to be violent and assert their dominance over others, rather than showing compassion or love.
We're loyal to our own crowd, to our scribes and pharisee
Their loyalty lay with their own group and their leaders, rather than with justice or righteousness.
Contributed by Addison D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.