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.
Lord Of The Dance
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I danced in the moon and the stars and the Sun,
I came out of Heaven and I danced on the Earth,
In Bethlehem I had my birth.
Dance, dance, wherever you may be,
I am the lord of the dance, said he,
And I lead you all wherever you may be...
I danced for the scribes and the Pharisees,
they would not dance and they wouldn't follow me.
I danced for the fishermen James and John,
They came with me and the dance went on.
Dance, dance, wherever you may be,
I am the lord of the dance, said he,
And I lead you all wherever you may be...
And I lead you all in the dance, said he.
I danced on a Sabbath and I cured the lame,
the holy people thought it was a shame
They cut me, they stripped me, and they hung me high
and left me there on a cross to die
Dance, dance, wherever you may be,
I am the lord of the dance, said he,
And I lead you all wherever you may be...
And I lead you all in the dance, said he.
I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black,
it's hard to dance with the Devil on your back.
They buried my body, but I'd gone...
I am the dance and I still go on.
Dance, dance, wherever you may be,
I am the lord of the dance, said he,
And I lead you all wherever you may be...
And I lead you all in the dance, said he.
Well they cut me down but I lept up high,
I am the light that will never, never die.
I live in you and you live in me...
I am the lord of the dance, said he.
Dance, dance, wherever you may be,
I am the lord of the dance, said he,
And I lead you all wherever you may be...
And I lead you all in the dance, said he.
Dance, dance, wherever you may be,
I am the lord of the dance, said he,
And I lead you all wherever you may be...
And I lead you all in the dance, said he.
The lyrics to The Irish Rovers' song "Lord Of The Dance" are a retelling of the story of Jesus Christ, portrayed as the "lord of the dance." The first verse alludes to Christ's role in the creation story, with the line "I danced on the morning when the world began." The following verses chronicle Christ's life on Earth: his birth in Bethlehem, his ministry, and the events leading up to his death on the cross. Despite the violence and persecution he faced, he continues to be the "lord of the dance," a symbol of eternal life and hope.
The song's upbeat, Celtic-inspired melody and catchy refrain make it a popular choice for celebrations and gatherings, particularly in Irish communities. The lyrics have been interpreted in a variety of ways, with some seeing it as a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, while others view it as a distinctly Christian message of faith and redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
I danced on the morning when the world began,
I, the divine being, danced with joy during the creation of the world.
I danced in the moon and the stars and the Sun,
My dancing was not limited to Earth, I also rejoiced amongst the heavens.
I came out of Heaven and I danced on the Earth, In Bethlehem I had my birth.
As a spiritual entity, I descended from heaven to be born on Earth and danced upon my arrival. My birthplace was Bethlehem.
Dance, dance, wherever you may be, I am the lord of the dance, said he, And I lead you all wherever you may be... And I lead you all in the dance, said he.
Through dance, I bring people together and lead them in their spiritual journey, regardless of where they are.
I danced for the scribes and the Pharisees, they would not dance and they wouldn't follow me.
Leaders of an organized religion rejected my divine message, refused to celebrate and follow me.
I danced for the fishermen James and John, They came with me and the dance went on.
Despite facing rejection elsewhere, commoners and humble followers joined me in dance and continued in their spiritual journey.
I danced on a Sabbath and I cured the lame, the holy people thought it was a shame They cut me, they stripped me, and they hung me high and left me there on a cross to die
I accomplished miracles in the name of healing, yet this brought persecution and execution by religious authorities who disapproved of my message.
I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black, it's hard to dance with the Devil on your back.
In my final hours on Earth, I faced a final test before my ascent to heaven. The enemy tried to keep me away from my divine purpose but I still managed to dance.
They buried my body, but I'd gone... I am the dance and I still go on.
Even in death, I lived on through my message of dance and spirituality, which has since inspired and influenced many generations.
Well they cut me down but I lept up high, I am the light that will never, never die. I live in you and you live in me... I am the lord of the dance, said he.
Death has no power over me, and my spirit lives in everyone who embraces my dance and follows my message. I am the divine being who leads everyone in their spiritual journey through dance.
Contributed by Kylie B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@floydbranson9226
A fantastic song from a talented group of Irishmen , one of my favorites
@nicklancial7103
I love singing this song in church I even tried to get this song played during my dad funeral because I thought it was such a great song of death and rebrirth
@reneedale9862
This is on our Christmas playlist. We love the Irish Rovers and this song. 💗
@yukonnahanni
this song is a song , that so many of of us sang , rejoiced in , around many Camps & still sing around many Camps !!!
@mikeandroryinmich
I was singing this one day while hiking through my very Jewish neighborhood. A woman made a comment who was Jewish & I will not share it here. Way to negative. It made me wonder why so many of them hate that Christians believe Jesus is messiah. That woman was downright mean spirited but I ignored her comment. I think that is what our Lord would do.
@DarthKato
Single handly one of the greatest group to ever grace the world with their presents.
@bauerjungejacob
I love this song. What a happy rhythem it has. I can be in the worst mood, and this song never fails to cheer me up.
@TLBNAWKI
Love love love it! Never beat the Corries version tho. Much love to all my Irish brothers and sisters 💙🏴
@mom19551
I have never heard this song before - but what a treasure! I love that thought of Jesus leading us in The Dance of life!
@EarthaKit2
That is so beautiful! He really was a man who loved to dance,loved red wine, and women! Didn't he go to the Wedding at Cana? People flocked around Him. May you all have a Happy High Holiday! The birth of the Christ here!