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.
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let nothing you dismay
For Jesus Christ our Savior
Was born upon this day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
In the town of Bethlehem
This blessed Child was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn'
To which His mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed angel came
And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Now to the Lord sing praises
All you within this place
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace
This holy time of Christmas shall be of peace and grace
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
- Instrumental intermission -
God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
For Jesus Christ our Savior
Was born upon this day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy...
The Irish Rovers's song "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is an uplifting Christmas carol that aims to bring joy and comfort to listeners during the festive season. The song begins with an instruction for "merry gentlemen" to rest and not be disturbed, for on this day, Jesus Christ, the savior of the world, was born. The lyrics continue to proclaim the purpose of His birth, which was to save mankind from the power of Satan, having gone astray.
The song goes on to describe the circumstances of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, laying in a manger, and his mother Mary accepting this without scorn. An angel is said to have brought tidings of the birth to shepherds, who were likely not high up in society but were still worthy of receiving such news. This act of humbleness and equality is reflected in the final verse, where the song encourages all present to embrace one another with true love and brotherhood to celebrate this holy time of Christmas as one of peace and grace.
Line by Line Meaning
God rest ye merry gentlemen
May you Merry Gentlemen Rest in Peace
Let nothing you dismay
Do not let anything trouble you
For Jesus Christ our Savior
The person who saves us from our sins and transgressions
Was born upon this day
The date of his birth is today
To save us all from Satan's power
Delivered us from Satan’s control
When we were gone astray
When we were lost and confused
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
What joyous and comforting news
Comfort and joy
Happiness and Peace
In the town of Bethlehem
In the city of Bethlehem
This blessed Child was born
A fortunate baby has been delivered
And laid within a manger
Placed in an animal feeding trough
Upon this blessed morn'
On this very blessed morning
To which His mother Mary
The mother of Jesus, Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
Accepted it without any judgment
From God our Heavenly Father
A messager from God our Father in Heaven
A blessed angel came
A divine angel appeared
And unto certain shepherds
To certain low and rural people who look after sheep
Brought tidings of the same
Spread the news of the same thing
How that in Bethlehem was born
That a baby was born in Bethlehem
The Son of God by name
His name is the Son of God
Now to the Lord sing praises
Now we shall sing praises to the Lord
All you within this place
Everyone who is present here
And with true love and brotherhood
Love and unity
Each other now embrace
Now hug each other
This holy time of Christmas
The religious time of Christmas
Shall be of peace and grace
Will bring peace and kindness
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
What joyous and comforting news
Comfort and joy
Happiness and peace
God rest ye merry gentlemen
May you Merry Gentlemen Rest in Peace
Let nothing you dismay
Do not let anything trouble you
For Jesus Christ our Savior
The person who saves us from our sins and transgressions
Was born upon this day
The date of his birth is today
To save us all from Satan's power
Delivered us from Satan’s control
When we were gone astray
When we were lost and confused
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
What joyous and comforting news
Comfort and joy
Happiness and Peace
Contributed by Penelope H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.