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.
Liverpool Lou
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Schoolchildren playing, I know what they're saying
They're saying you'll grieve me, that you will deceive me
Some morning you'll leave me, all packed up and gone
Oh Liverpool Lou, lovely Liverpool Lou
Why don't you behave, love, like the other girls do?
Why must my poor heart be following you
Stay home and love me, my Liverpool Lou
The sound from the river keeps telling me ever
That I should forget you like I'd never met you
Tell me their song, love, was never more wrong love
Say I belong love to my Liverpool Lou
Oh Liverpool Lou, lovely Liverpool Lou
Why don't you behave, love, like the other girls do?
Why must my poor heart be following you
Stay home and love me, my Liverpool Lou
The Irish Rovers's song Liverpool Lou is a tender ballad sung from the perspective of a lovesick man who wanders the streets of Liverpool pining for his beloved Liverpool Lou. The lyrics convey the singer's insecurity and fear of abandonment, as he hears people whispering that Lou will leave him someday. The sound of the river reminds him that he should forget her and move on, but he cannot, and he begs Lou to stay and love him. The song is a sentimental portrayal of unrequited love, evoking a sense of vulnerability and longing.
The song is a tribute to the city of Liverpool, known for its rich musical history and cultural heritage. The lyrics reference the sound of the river, the voices of schoolchildren, and the bustling streets of the city, painting a vivid portrait of Liverpool's vibrant atmosphere. The singer's love for Liverpool Lou is intertwined with his love for Liverpool itself, as if the city represents his emotional connection to Lou.
Overall, The Irish Rovers's Liverpool Lou is a heartfelt and nostalgic ballad that captures the essence of Liverpool's romantic allure. The lyrics convey feelings of love, longing, and vulnerability, reflecting the universal experience of unrequited love.
Line by Line Meaning
When I go a-walking, I hear people talking
As I stroll around, I overhear whispers and murmurs
Schoolchildren playing, I know what they're saying
Observing children at play, I can tell what they're discussing
They're saying you'll grieve me, that you will deceive me
I hear that you'll cause me heartache and that you'll betray me
Some morning you'll leave me, all packed up and gone
I fear that one day, I'll wake up to find that you've departed forever
Oh Liverpool Lou, lovely Liverpool Lou
Addressing my beloved, Liverpool Lou, who is dear to me
Why don't you behave, love, like the other girls do?
I plead with her to act like other women and treat me with respect and loyalty
Why must my poor heart be following you
I question why my heart is so attached to her, despite the pain she causes me
Stay home and love me, my Liverpool Lou
I want her to stay with me and love me, rather than causing me misery
The sound from the river keeps telling me ever
The noise of the waterway persists in telling me
That I should forget you like I'd never met you
The waterway tells me to erase her from my memory entirely, as if I never encountered her
Tell me their song, love, was never more wrong love
I beg her to deny the river's words, to reassure me that our love is true
Say I belong love to my Liverpool Lou
I need Liverpool Lou to confirm that we're meant to be together and that she won't leave me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DOMINIC BEHAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.