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.
Scots Abroad
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Always first to charge in battle and the first to charge again
You can recognize their accent and they'll tell you that you're wrong
But there is no mistaking where they're from
You'll find them in the jungle or sailing on the sea
And if you go to China boys it's there they'll surely be
Wherever you might see them they will look like they belong
They're from the streets of Aberdeen and the small border towns
From the Hebridean Islands and all the country 'round
They travelled to a new land and they sing a different song
But there is no mistaking where they're from
There's a nurse at the mission with a doctor standing by
And the old man in the corner wi' a sad and whisky eye
And the tea planter's family they've been living there so long
But there is no mistaking where they're from
They're from the streets of Aberdeen and the small border towns
From the Hebridean Islands and all the country 'round
They travelled to a new land and they sing a different song
But there is no mistaking where they're from
They're the ones who write the stories and they never hesitate
To face up to the challenges and punch above their weight
They live in every country and they look like they belong
But there is no mistaking where they're from
The Irish Rovers's song Scots Abroad is an ode to the Scottish diaspora, exploring the themes of Scottish identity and the sense of belonging. The lyrics describe how the Scots have traveled to different parts of the world, built bridges and tunnels, climbed hills, fought battles, and made their mark in various fields. Despite their geographic mobility, the Scots have retained their distinct accent and identity, and wherever they go, they stand out as Scots.
The first verse of the song highlights the resilience and courage of the Scots, who are always ready for a challenge, be it in battle or in other fields. They take pride in their heritage and can recognize each other by their accent, which they fiercely defend. The chorus emphasizes the diversity of the Scots abroad, who can be found in different parts of the world, but they all have one thing in common: their Scottish identity.
The second verse of the song identifies some of the places where the Scots can be found, from the jungle to China, and how they seamlessly blend into their surroundings while maintaining their distinct identity. The third verse talks about the different backgrounds of the Scots, from the streets of Aberdeen to the Hebridean Islands, and how they have adapted to their new surroundings in different ways, but have never forgotten their roots. The final verse is a tribute to the Scots' intellectual and creative contributions to the world, and their ability to overcome obstacles and succeed, no matter where they are.
Overall, The Irish Rovers's song Scots Abroad is a celebration of Scottish heritage and identity, highlighting the resilience, diversity, and adaptability of the Scots abroad.
Line by Line Meaning
They built the bridges and the tunnels climbed the hills that bear their names
The Scots were skilled constructors that left their mark on the world.
Always first to charge in battle and the first to charge again
The Scots are brave fighters that never back down.
You can recognize their accent and they'll tell you that you're wrong
The Scots are proud of their accent and heritage.
But there is no mistaking where they're from
The Scots are a distinct group with a strong cultural identity.
You'll find them in the jungle or sailing on the sea
The Scots are adventurous people that travel far and wide.
And if you go to China boys it's there they'll surely be
The Scots can be found in all corners of the world.
Wherever you might see them they will look like they belong
The Scots are adaptable and blend in well with their surroundings.
They're from the streets of Aberdeen and the small border towns
The Scots come from diverse locations in Scotland.
From the Hebridean Islands and all the country 'round
The Scots come from many different parts of Scotland.
They travelled to a new land and they sing a different song
The Scots have emigrated and adapted to new ways of life.
There's a nurse at the mission with a doctor standing by
The Scots can be found in many different professions across the world.
And the old man in the corner wi' a sad and whisky eye
The Scots are known for their love of whisky and storytelling.
And the tea planter's family they've been living there so long
The Scots have been living in different parts of the world for generations.
They're the ones who write the stories and they never hesitate
The Scots are creative people that excel at storytelling.
To face up to the challenges and punch above their weight
The Scots are determined people that don't shy away from difficulties.
They live in every country and they look like they belong
The Scots are a global community that have established themselves in many different countries.
But there is no mistaking where they're from
The Scots are proud of their Scottish identity and roots.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: George Millar
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
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