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.
Rambling and Roving
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In every country I'm rambling around
The sky is me roof and the earth is me floor
But don't be surprised if I knock on your door
Chorus:
And a roving I'll go, up with your glasses and rosin your bow
And a roving I'll go, never give up when you're feeling low
In a doss house in Dublin the landlady said
You can stay for the night if you make your own bed
No trouble says I sure I've done that before
Says she there's the hammer and nails on the floor
Chorus
In Paris I walked in a restaurant fine
Says I would you give me a bottle of wine
What year would you like the landlord did say
Ah says I my good man I would like it today
Chorus
It's time to be going it's time to be gone
The high hills and valleys keep calling me on
But here's to your friendship and fire side bright
And here's to the whiskey we're drinking tonight
Chorus
The lyrics of The Irish Rovers' song "Rambling and Roving" describe the experience of a travelling person who roams from village to town, with the sky as their roof and the earth as their floor. The song captures the spirit of adventure and freedom that comes with wandering and exploring new places.
The chorus speaks to the resilience and determination of the roving lifestyle, encouraging the listener to never give up, especially when feeling low. The lyrics suggest that there is always something new to discover and experience, and that the journey itself is worth the effort.
The song also touches on the challenges that come with a roving lifestyle, such as finding a place to stay and making one's own bed. These challenges are met with humor and a can-do attitude, underscoring the resourcefulness and self-reliance required to make a living on the road.
Overall, "Rambling and Roving" is a celebration of the joys and struggles of a life lived outside of the mainstream, and a tribute to the wanderlust that drives many people to explore the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm rambling and roving from village to town
I'm wandering and traveling from one place to another without a definite destination.
In every country I'm rambling around
I travel to every country and explore various places.
The sky is me roof and the earth is me floor
I don't have a permanent shelter, I sleep wherever I go.
But don't be surprised if I knock on your door
I might knock on your door for a place to stay temporarily.
Chorus: And a roving I'll go, up with your glasses and rosin your bow
I'll continue to travel and explore new places. Let's raise our glasses and enjoy our time together.
And a roving I'll go, never give up when you're feeling low
I will never lose hope and will continue to travel even in tough times.
In a doss house in Dublin the landlady said
I stayed in a cheap lodging house in Dublin and the landlady spoke to me.
You can stay for the night if you make your own bed
You can stay if you don't mind making your own bed.
No trouble says I sure I've done that before
I replied that it's not a problem since I've done it before.
Says she there's the hammer and nails on the floor
The landlady then tells me where to find the tools to make the bed.
Chorus
Refrain
In Paris I walked in a restaurant fine
In Paris, I visited a fancy restaurant.
Says I would you give me a bottle of wine
I asked the landlord for a bottle of wine.
What year would you like the landlord did say
The landlord asked me which year of wine I would like.
Ah says I my good man I would like it today
I replied that I don't have a preference and I want it aged for today only.
Chorus
Refrain
It's time to be going it's time to be gone
It's time for me to leave and continue my journey.
The high hills and valleys keep calling me on
I'm drawn by the beauty of nature and the urge to explore new places.
But here's to your friendship and fire side bright
But I cherish the friendship and warmth of people I meet along the way.
And here's to the whiskey we're drinking tonight
Let's drink to the moment, to the company, and to the good whiskey we have tonight.
Chorus
Refrain
Contributed by Ellie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.