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.
Drink Sing and Be Jolly
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
when the laughter our voices ring out
no more will we be melancholy
when we trust in a pint of good stout!
We rut and we roar
and we kick up our heels
and never downhearted are we
life is too short for to fuss and to fight
We'll drink, sing and be jolly
when the laughter our voices ring out
no more will we feel melancholy
when we trust in a pint of good stout!
We weren't born to riches or noble estates
we haven't got money in store
but down at the alehouse,
we're just as content
as them that have millions or more.
We'll drink, sing and be jolly
when the laughter our voices ring out
no more will we feel melancholy
when we trust in a pint of good stout!
O happy is he with a pint in his hand
who cares not for troubles or strife
with friends at his side
and a lass on his knee
his only concern is the wife.
We'll drink, sing and be jolly
when the laughter our voices ring out
no more will we feel melancholy
when we trust in a pint of good stout!
Some say that the doctor
with potions and pills
is the answer when you're feeling frail
but a pint of good stout
is the body's own cure
for to keep you both hearty and hail
We'll drink, sing and be jolly
when the laughter our voices ring out
no more will we be melancholy
when we trust in a pint of good stout!
There's many the reasons
for havin' a pint
and another just come to me head
if you don't drink it now
while you're in the pink
how the hell can you drink when you're dead
We'll drink, sing and be jolly
when the laughter our voices ring out
no more will we be melancholy
when we trust in a pint of good stout!
C'mon all ye young rakes
and ramblin' men who like to be single and free
beware of the lass whose lookin' to wed
for there's none quite as crafty as she.
We'll drink, sing and be jolly
when the laughter our voices ring out
no more will we be melancholy
when we trust in a pint of good stout!
We'll drink, sing and be jolly
when the laughter our voices ring out
no more will we be melancholy
when we trust in a pint of good stout!
end
The Irish Rovers' song "Drink Sing and Be Jolly" is an upbeat and lively tune that celebrates the joy of being with friends and enjoying a good pint of stout. The lyrics evoke a sense of camaraderie and carefree abandon, encouraging listeners to let go of their worries and let the good times roll. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, declaring that the group will drink, sing, and be jolly, filling the room with their laughter and music. They believe that a good pint of stout is the key to happiness and that life is too short to worry about the little things.
The rest of the song reinforces these ideas, with the group expressing their gratitude for the simple pleasures in life, such as enjoying a pint with friends. They reject the notion that wealth is necessary for contentment, arguing that they are just as happy in their local alehouse as anyone with "millions or more." The song acknowledges that life can be tough, but suggests that a little alcohol and good company can make things easier to bear. Overall, the message of the song is one of positivity and joie de vivre, celebrating the power of friendship, laughter, and a good drink.
Line by Line Meaning
We'll drink, sing and be jolly
Let's enjoy ourselves with some good company, good music, and good beer!
when the laughter our voices ring out
Let's laugh loudly and heartily, sharing in the joy of the moment together.
no more will we be melancholy
We won't be sad or downcast anymore, for we have what we need to enjoy life to the fullest.
when we trust in a pint of good stout!
When we have a delicious pint of beer in our hands, we can trust that everything will be alright, at least for a little while.
We rut and we roar
We let loose and have a good time, making noise and causing a ruckus.
and we kick up our heels
We dance and move our bodies with wild abandon, truly living in the moment.
and never downhearted are we
We refuse to let life's troubles get us down; instead, we choose to focus on the good things in life and have a positive attitude.
life is too short for to fuss and to fight
Life is too brief and precious to spend arguing and bickering; we'd rather enjoy ourselves while we can.
sure we're far better off on this spree
Our current state of living, enjoying ourselves with friends and loved ones, is much better than any other way we could spend our time.
We weren't born to riches or noble estates
We don't come from wealthy or high-born families; we're just regular folk like anyone else.
we haven't got money in store
We don't have lots of money saved up; we have to make the most of what we have and enjoy life as it comes.
but down at the alehouse,
But when we gather at the local pub or bar, we feel just as content as anyone else, no matter their wealth or status.
we're just as content
We're happy and fulfilled, without needing to have all the trappings of wealth and power that others seek.
as them that have millions or more.
We are just as content and satisfied with our lives as anyone else, even those who may have much more material wealth.
O happy is he with a pint in his hand
How wonderful it is to have a cold, delicious pint of beer to enjoy!
who cares not for troubles or strife
When we're enjoying ourselves with a pint, we can let go of our worries and troubles for a little while and simply savor the moment.
with friends at his side
Having good friends with you only makes the moment all the more enjoyable and memorable.
and a lass on his knee
Even better still is having a special someone by your side to share in the joy and merriment of the moment.
his only concern is the wife.
When you have the love and companionship of a good partner, nothing else seems to matter; they are all that you need.
Some say that the doctor
While some people may turn to medicine or other remedies when they feel unwell,
with potions and pills
relying on drugs or other medical treatments.
is the answer when you're feeling frail
these things may not always be the best way to take care of oneself, especially when feeling unwell or physically weak.
but a pint of good stout
Instead, a good pint of beer
is the body's own cure
can be just what the body needs to feel better and more relaxed, in both body and mind.
for to keep you both hearty and hail
It can help keep you feeling healthy, strong, and energetic, ready to take on whatever life may bring your way.
There's many the reasons
There are countless reasons why people might choose to have a pint of beer.
for havin' a pint
Some might like the taste of the beer or the feeling of the bubbles; others might appreciate the social aspects of enjoying a drink with friends.
and another just come to me head
And sometimes, new reasons come to mind that we hadn't even considered before.
if you don't drink it now
If we let this moment pass us by
while you're in the pink
when we're feeling healthy and strong
how the hell can you drink when you're dead
we may regret not having taken the opportunity to enjoy life's pleasures when we still could.
C'mon all ye young rakes
Come on, you young men who like to live it up,
and ramblin' men who like to be single and free
you adventurous souls who prefer the freedom of the open road and aren't looking to settle down anytime soon.
beware of the lass whose lookin' to wed
But be careful around the women who are looking to settle down and start a family, as they may not be content with the same carefree lifestyle that you enjoy.
for there's none quite as crafty as she.
Women can be very clever and resourceful when it comes to getting what they want, so don't underestimate them!
We'll drink, sing and be jolly
Let's continue to enjoy ourselves, raising our glasses in song and laughter!
when the laughter our voices ring out
Our voices will continue to echo with joy and merriment as we share in the good times of life.
no more will we be melancholy
We won't let sadness or sorrow drag us down; instead, we will focus on the good things in life and make the most of every moment.
when we trust in a pint of good stout!
With a cool, refreshing pint in our hands, we can face anything that life may throw our way, secure in the knowledge that we have what we need to enjoy ourselves and feel content.
Writer(s): George Millar
Contributed by Caden A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.