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.
Goodbye Mrs. Durkin
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No more I'll dig your praties, no longer I'll be poor.
As sure as my name is Barney, I'm off to Califarny.
Instead of digging praties, I'll be digging lumps of gold.
In the days when I was courting, I was never tired resorting
To the alehouse and the playhouse, and the other house besides.
But I told my brother Seamus, "I'll be off now and grow famous
So, it's goodbye Mrs. Durkin, I'm sick and tired of workin'.
No more I'll dig your praties, no longer I'll be poor.
As sure as my name is Barney, I'm off to Califarny.
Instead of digging praties, I'll be digging lumps of gold.
Well, I've courted girls in Blarney, in Antrim and Killarney,
In Dublin and in Kerry, down to the coves of Cork.
But I'm tired of all this pleasure, so now I'll take my leisure.
And the next time that you hear from me, I'll write you from new York.
So, it's goodbye Mrs. Durkin, I'm sick and tired of workin'.
No more I'll dig your praties, no longer I'll be poor.
As sure as my name is Barney, I'm off to Califarny.
Instead of digging praties, I'll be digging lumps of gold.
When I landed in America, I met a man named Burke.
He told me if I'd stay a while, he'd surely find me work.
But work he didn't find me, so there's nothing here to bind me.
I'm bound for San Francisco, in Califor-ni-yay!
So, it's goodbye Mrs. Durkin, I'm sick and tired of workin'.
No more I'll dig your praties, no longer I'll be poor.
As sure as my name is Barney, I'm off to Califarny.
Instead of digging praties, I'll be digging lumps of gold.
Well, I'm now in San Francisco, and my fortune it is made.
My pockets loaded down with gold, I'll throw away my spade.
I'll go back to dear old Erin, spend my fortune never carin'.
I'll marry Queen Victori', Mrs. Durkin for to spite.
So, it's goodbye Mrs. Durkin, I'm sick and tired of workin'.
No more I'll dig your praties, no longer I'll be poor.
As sure as my name is Barney, I'm off to Califarny.
Instead of digging praties, I'll be digging lumps of gold.
The Irish Rovers' song "Goodbye Mrs. Durkin" is an upbeat and cheerful tune that tells a story about a man named Barney who is tired of working hard to dig potatoes (or praties) and decides to leave Ireland to pursue his fortune in California, where he hopes to find gold. Barney is a restless soul who has spent his youth courting women and enjoying life's pleasures, but he wants something more meaningful out of life, which he believes he can find in California.
The song's lyrics are filled with humor and playful rhyming, inviting the listener to join in and sing along. Barney is a likable character who dreams big, and his adventurous spirit is infectious. The song's catchy chorus - "Goodbye Mrs. Durkin" - is repeated throughout, underscoring the theme of leaving behind the old ways of life and embracing new opportunities.
The song's upbeat tempo and whimsical lyrics have made it a favorite among Irish folk music fans around the world. Its simple but catchy melody and sing-along chorus have prompted many a pub singalong or festival performance. The song's humor, light-heartedness, and relatable themes of seeking adventure and making a fortune have made it enduringly popular.
Line by Line Meaning
Goodbye Mrs. Durkin, I'm sick and tired of workin'.
I am bidding farewell to Mrs. Durkin because I am exhausted of working.
No more I'll dig your praties, no longer I'll be poor.
I will not dig potatoes for Mrs. Durkin anymore because I won't be poor anymore.
As sure as my name is Barney, I'm off to Califarny.
I am certain to be leaving for California as my name is Barney.
Instead of digging praties, I'll be digging lumps of gold.
I will not dig potatoes and instead, I will search for gold in California.
In the days when I was courting, I was never tired resorting
During the days I courted girls, I was not bored of visiting alehouses, playhouses, and the like.
To the alehouse and the playhouse, and the other house besides.
I often visited different types of houses apart from alehouses and playhouses.
But I told my brother Seamus, "I'll be off now and grow famous
I revealed to my brother Seamus that I will be leaving to become famous.
And before that I return again, I'll roam the whole world wide."
I stated that I will travel around the world before I come back.
Well, I've courted girls in Blarney, in Antrim and Killarney,
I have courted girls in different parts of Ireland like Blarney, Antrim, and Killarney.
In Dublin and in Kerry, down to the coves of Cork.
I have also courted girls in Dublin, Kerry and Cork's coves.
But I'm tired of all this pleasure, so now I'll take my leisure.
I am bored of all these pleasures and will now relax.
And the next time that you hear from me, I'll write you from new York.
When I next contact you, I will write from New York.
When I landed in America, I met a man named Burke.
Upon arrival in America, I met a man named Burke.
He told me if I'd stay a while, he'd surely find me work.
Burke promised to find me work if I stayed around a bit.
But work he didn't find me, so there's nothing here to bind me.
However, he failed to find me work, and so nothing is keeping me here.
I'm bound for San Francisco, in Califor-ni-yay!
I am traveling to San Francisco in California.
Well, I'm now in San Francisco, and my fortune it is made.
I'm now in San Francisco, and I've made a fortune.
My pockets loaded down with gold, I'll throw away my spade.
Since my pockets are full of gold, I will discard my shovel.
I'll go back to dear old Erin, spend my fortune never carin'.
I will go back to my beloved Ireland and spend my fortune without any worries.
I'll marry Queen Victori', Mrs. Durkin for to spite.
I plan to marry Queen Victoria and aggravate Mrs. Durkin.
So, it's goodbye Mrs. Durkin, I'm sick and tired of workin'.
Once more, I bid farewell to Mrs. Durkin since I'm no longer interested in working.
No more I'll dig your praties, no longer I'll be poor.
I won't dig potatoes for Mrs. Durkin again since I won't be poor anymore.
As sure as my name is Barney, I'm off to Califarny.
With certainty, my name being Barney, I am going to California.
Instead of digging praties, I'll be digging lumps of gold.
Rather than digging potatoes, I'll be searching for gold in California.
Lyrics © ANTRIM MUSIC PUBLISHING, LTD.
Written by: WILL MILLAR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.