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.
Green Grow the Rashes
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
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What signifies the worth o' man and 'twas nay for the lassies-o
Green grow the rashes-o green grow the rashes-o
The sweetest hours that e'er I spent were spent amang the lassies-o
The wardly race may riches chase and riches still may fly tae them-o
When at last they catch them fast their herts can ne'er enjoy them-o
Green grow the rashes-o green grow the rashes-o
The sweetest hours that e'er I spent were spent amang the lassies-o
Gie me a cannie hour at e'en me arms about me dearie-o
An' wardly cares an' wardly men may a' gae tapsalteeri-o
Green grow the rashes-o green grow the rashes-o
The sweetest hours that e'er I spent were spent amang the lassies-o
Now ye sae douce ye scoff at this yer not but senseless asses-o
The wisest man the warld e'er saw we ken he luv'd the lassies-o
Green grow the rashes-o green grow the rashes-o
The sweetest hours that e'er I spent were spent amang the lassies-o
Auld nature swears the lovely dears her finest work she classes-o
Her prentice han' she try'd on man an' then she made the lassies-o
Green grow the rashes-o green grow the rashes-o
The sweetest hours that e'er I spent were spent amang the lassies-o
The Irish folk song "Green Grow the Rashes" discusses the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of love and relationships. The lyrics describe the struggles and burdens of everyday life, but ultimately conclude that the sweetest moments in life are spent in the company of women.
The opening lines of the chorus "Green grow the rashes-o" allude to the greenery that grows on a person's grave after they pass away, hinting at the idea that all worldly concerns eventually evaporate. The verses go through the idea that the pursuit of money and wealth is ultimately meaningless because they cannot provide lasting happiness. Instead, the singer chooses to cherish moments spent with his beloved.
The song also references the idea that even the wisest of men have a love for women, suggesting that love and relationships are universal experiences that connect people across all backgrounds and cultures. The final lines of the chorus, "Her prentice han' she try'd on man an' then she made the lassies-o" acknowledges the divine nature of women.
Overall, "Green Grow the Rashes" is a celebration of love, companionship, and the joy that comes from spending time with those we care about.
Line by Line Meaning
There's no but care on ev'ry han in every hour that passes-o
There is always worry and anxiety in every moment of life.
What signifies the worth o' man and 'twas nay for the lassies-o
What is the point of human existence if not for the company of women?
Green grow the rashes-o green grow the rashes-o
May the greenery flourish, may life be abundant.
The sweetest hours that e'er I spent were spent amang the lassies-o
The happiest times in my life were spent in the company of women.
The wardly race may riches chase and riches still may fly tae them-o
People may spend their lives pursuing wealth and still fail to attain it.
When at last they catch them fast their herts can ne'er enjoy them-o
Even if they do acquire riches, they will never experience true happiness.
Gie me a cannie hour at e'en me arms about me dearie-o
Give me a peaceful evening in the arms of my beloved, free from worldly cares and people.
An' wardly cares an' wardly men may a' gae tapsalteeri-o
Let all worldly worries and people be gone.
Now ye sae douce ye scoff at this yer not but senseless asses-o
Those who mock this sentiment are foolish and lack understanding.
The wisest man the warld e'er saw we ken he luv'd the lassies-o
Even the wisest man in the world was known for his love of women.
Auld nature swears the lovely dears her finest work she classes-o
Nature herself claims that women are her greatest creation.
Her prentice han' she try'd on man an' then she made the lassies-o
First, she experimented with men, and then she created the perfect form: women.
Green grow the rashes-o green grow the rashes-o
May the greenery flourish, may life be abundant.
The sweetest hours that e'er I spent were spent amang the lassies-o
The happiest times in my life were spent in the company of women.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Robert Burns
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.