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.
Kitty the Rose of Kilrea
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've courted every lass I've met from Antrim down to Clare
I've never felt the pain of love 'till cupid came one day
Now every thought I have is on me Kitty of Kilrea!
I love the rose of Kilrea and one of these days I'll dance her away
She's stolen me heart, and never I'll part with Kitty the rose of Kilrea
She's well put together from head to toe she's every young man's dream
All of the boys are chasin' her and it's time I made me play
When I get bold I will propose to Kitty of Kilrea
I love the rose of Kilrea and one of these days I'll dance her away
She's stolen me heart, and never I'll part with Kitty the rose of Kilrea
In Belfast city I know a lass with money and with class
She says she's waitin' to marry me but I know it wouldn't last
I told her nice and gently that me heart would never stray
From the rose of county Derry and me Kitty of Kilrea
I love the rose of Kilrea and one of these days I'll dance her away
She's stolen me heart, and never I'll part with Kitty the rose of Kilrea
Now that we are married we have children on our knee
A girl just like her mummy and a boy that looks like me
And when I hold her in me arms me heart still thumps away
The king can have his riches, I've got Kitty of Kilrea
I love the rose of Kilrea and one of these days I'll dance her away
She's stolen me heart, and never I'll part with Kitty the rose of Kilrea
Yes, I love the rose of Kilrea and one of these days I'll dance her away
She's stolen me heart, and never I'll part with Kitty the rose of Kilrea
The Irish Rovers' "Kitty the Rose of Kilrea" is a traditional Irish love song, sung from the perspective of a roving man who has finally found his true love. The singer, who has courted many women throughout his travels, had never felt the pains of love until he met Kitty. Kitty, described as the "rose of Kilrea," has stolen his heart and he vows never to part from her. Her long, golden hair, emerald green eyes, and perfect figure make her the dream girl of every young man in the county.
The song's protagonist tells of a woman from Belfast who has money and class and wants to marry him, but he knows it wouldn't last because his heart belongs to Kitty. In the end, the singer marries Kitty and they have a daughter and a son. Even after marriage and children, his love for Kitty never fades.
The song captures the essence of a traditional Irish love tale with descriptions of the countryside, the emotions of the singer, and the importance of love and loyalty. It shows the power of love to transform a roving man into a devoted partner and father.
Line by Line Meaning
I've always been a rover and I've never had a care
I have been a wanderer and have never been troubled with worries.
I've courted every lass I've met from Antrim down to Clare
I have pursued every girl I met from Antrim to Clare.
I've never felt the pain of love 'till cupid came one day
I have never experienced heartbreak until I fell in love with Kitty.
Now every thought I have is on me Kitty of Kilrea!
Now, my every thought revolves around Kitty of Kilrea.
Her hair is long and golden and her eyes are em'rald green
Kitty has long and golden hair, and her eyes are a beautiful emerald green.
She's well put together from head to toe she's every young man's dream
Kitty is gorgeous, and any young man would be lucky to have her.
All of the boys are chasin' her and it's time I made me play
Many men are pursuing Kitty, and it's time for me to make my move.
When I get bold I will propose to Kitty of Kilrea
When I gather enough courage, I will ask Kitty to be my wife.
In Belfast city I know a lass with money and with class
I know a woman in Belfast with wealth and sophistication.
She says she's waitin' to marry me but I know it wouldn't last
She wants to marry me, but I know that it would not work out.
I told her nice and gently that me heart would never stray
I kindly informed her that my heart belongs to Kitty and will never depart.
From the rose of county Derry and me Kitty of Kilrea
My heart belongs to the lovely Kitty of Kilrea from County Derry.
Now that we are married we have children on our knee
Now that we are wedded, we have children on our lap.
A girl just like her mummy and a boy that looks like me
We have a daughter who looks like her mother and a son who resembles me.
And when I hold her in me arms me heart still thumps away
Whenever I hold Kitty in my arms, my heart still beats fast.
The king can have his riches, I've got Kitty of Kilrea
I would rather have my beloved Kitty of Kilrea than any wealth the king possesses.
Yes, I love the rose of Kilrea and one of these days I'll dance her away
Yes, I love Kitty of Kilrea and someday I will elope with her.
She's stolen me heart, and never I'll part with Kitty the rose of Kilrea
Kitty has captured my heart, and I will never let her go.
Contributed by Muhammad J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.