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.
Haul Away Joe
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So my mother told me
We haul away, we′ll haul away, Joe
And if I did not kiss the girls
My lips would all grow moldy
We haul away, we'll haul away, Joe (come here)
We haul away, we'll haul away, Joe
Once I had an English girl, she was fat and lazy
We haul away, we'll haul away, Joe
Now I have an Irish girl, she damn near drives me crazy
We haul away, we′ll haul away, Joe (come here)
We haul away, we′ll haul away together
We haul away, we'll haul away, Joe
We haul away, I′ll sing to you of Nancy
We haul away, we'll haul away, Joe
She stole my watch and money but she′s the girl I fancy
We haul away we'll haul away, Joe (come here)
We haul away, we′ll haul away together
We haul away, we'll haul away, Joe (come here)
We haul away, we'll haul away together
We haul away, we′ll haul away, Joe
The song Haul Away Joe by The Irish Rovers is a traditional sea shanty that's likely no more than two centuries old, if that. It's a call-and-response song, in which the lead singer calls out a line, and the rest of the crew responds with the chorus, "We haul away, we'll haul away, Joe." The lyrics are full of humorous references to love, women, and work at sea.
At the heart of the song is the idea that the sailors need to work together, and that they'll have a better time if they do it with song and camaraderie. The first verse is a classic example of this spirit, as the lead singer recalls his mother telling him that he'll have to work on the ship, but that he won't mind it so much if everyone bands together and sings together. The second verse is a bit more lighthearted, joking about the importance of kissing girls to avoid moldy lips.
The third verse is where the song really starts to take off. The lead singer tells of his former English girlfriend, who he found to be fat and lazy, and then describes his new Irish girlfriend as driving him crazy. This verse is particularly interesting because it showcases the sailors' love for their women, even while they're out at sea. It's a reminder that life on land is just as important as life at sea.
Overall, Haul Away Joe is a classic sea shanty that celebrates the power of song and the importance of camaraderie at sea. It's a fun and lighthearted song that's a joy to sing along with.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was a little boy
In my childhood days
So my mother told me
As my mother once narrated to me
We haul away, we'll haul away, Joe
Let's get to work with a song, Joe
And if I did not kiss the girls
If I failed to show affection to the girls
My lips would all grow moldy
My lips would become dry and unattractive
We haul away, we'll haul away, Joe (come here)
Join us and let's get to work, Joe (come here)
Once I had an English girl, she was fat and lazy
I was in a relationship with an English girl who was overweight and indolent
Now I have an Irish girl, she damn near drives me crazy
My current Irish girlfriend is almost making me lose my mind
We haul away, we'll haul away, Joe (come here)
Let us sing and work together, Joe (come here)
We haul away, I'll sing to you of Nancy
As we work, let me sing about Nancy to you
She stole my watch and money but she′s the girl I fancy
Even though she took my possessions, I still have affection for her
We haul away we'll haul away, Joe (come here)
Joe, let's keep working with this song
We haul away, we'll haul away together
Let's all work together and sing
We haul away, we'll haul away, Joe
With this song, let's get to work, Joe
Writer(s): George Millar
Contributed by Layla W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.