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.
Sloop John B
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My grandfather and me
all Around Nassau town we did roam
Drinking all night
Got into a fight
Well I feel so broke up
I want to go home
See how the main sail sets
Call for the Captain ashore
Let me go home, let me go home
I want to go home
Well I feel so broke up
I want to go home
now The first mate he got drunk
And broke in the Cap'n's trunk
The constable had to come and take him away
Sheriff John Stone
Why don't you leave me alone
Well I feel so broke up, I want to go home
hoist up the John B's sails
See how the main sail sets
Call for the Captain ashore
Let me go home, let me go home
I want to go home, let me go home
Why don't you let me go home
The lyrics to The Irish Rovers' song "Sloop John B" tell the story of a young man and his grandfather who set sail on a boat called the John B around Nassau town. They spend the night drinking and get into a fight, causing the singer to feel upset and want to go back home. As they sail, the first mate gets drunk and breaks into the captain's trunk, leading to his arrest by the constable. Throughout the song, the singer pleas with anyone who will listen to let him go home, as he is tired, upset and broken-hearted.
The theme of homesickness and longing for a return to a familiar place is a common one in folk music, and the lyrics to "Sloop John B" are no exception. The idea of being cast away from home, surrounded by strangers and unknown places can be an overwhelming experience, and the singer is no exception, as he feels disconnected from his surroundings and longs for a return to the familiar comforts of home. The repetitiveness of the chorus lyric "let me go home" conveys a desperate need to return to a safe and secure environment, demonstrating the importance of home in times of distress.
Interestingly, "Sloop John B" was originally a traditional folk song from the Bahamas, and was first recorded in the 1920s by the Bahamian singer "Blind Blake". It tells the story of a similar experience, where sailors aboard the sloop John B get into a fight and are arrested. The song was later popularized by the American folk group The Weavers in the 1950s, and then by The Beach Boys in their 1966 album "Pet Sounds". The Irish Rovers' version was released in 1968 and became a hit in North America, Europe and Australia.
Line by Line Meaning
Well We come on the Sloop John B
My grandfather and I arrived on the Sloop John B
all Around Nassau town we did roam
We wandered around Nassau town
Drinking all night
We drank all night long
Got into a fight
We got involved in a brawl
Well I feel so broke up
I feel devastated
I want to go home
I desire to return home
So hoist up the John B's sail
Raise the John B's sail
See how the main sail sets
Observe how the main sail positions
Call for the Captain ashore
Summon the Captain on land
Let me go home, let me go home
Allow me to go back home
Well I feel so broke up
I feel shattered
I want to go home
I wish to return home
now The first mate he got drunk
The first mate became intoxicated
And broke in the Cap'n's trunk
He broke into the Captain's trunk
The constable had to come and take him away
The police had to arrive and take him into custody
Sheriff John Stone
A reference to Sheriff John Stone
Why don't you leave me alone
Why don't you stop bothering me?
Let me go home, let me go home
Allow me to go back home
I want to go home, let me go home
I desire to return home, please let me go
Why don't you let me go home
Why don't you permit me to return home?
Contributed by Alice V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@steveskouson9620
Almost 65. I STILL tear up watching Brian.
Alan and Matt, almost as bad. The ones
that get me, Carl Dean, and Dennis Carl!
I MISS those Beach Boys!
Saw the Brian Wilson Band, last June.
I must have soaked quite a few kleenex.
The later band, even worse. Chicago!
It was almost a "Beachago" concert,
but Mikey would sue me for saying
that. Wishing you were here, was
played. Carl, Dennis, and Alan.
For that show, Alan, Matt, and a
host of others. More Kleenex.
Here is a vid of the old Beachago
concert. Sorry, Mikey is in it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlVD_m5KXjw&ab_channel=TerryKathSpotlight
So is Terry Kath! Miss Terry as much
as the two deceased Beach Boys!
steve
@garryjoseph1804
At age 69, my life is nearly over due to stage 4 cancer. I can sum up this life of mine pretty succinctly-
This is THE best trip I’ve ever been on, thanks in large part to the genius of Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, and the rest of The Beach Boys. Thanks, guys. You made it such a joy. God bless you all.
@marshmccarthy
That is sad to hear, but I’m glad you’ve had a good life and I hope you have a peaceful exit from this world
@RBB1965
You are in my prayers my friend.
@getrektm87yearsago29
God bless you Garry. Keep being a light in this world and enjoy all the beauty The Beach Boys have to offer while you stick with us :)
@kelseymariel2127
Wishing you much peace and comfort on your journey.
@JustSad66
You live a life well..you can never complain.. I’m trying to find my exit music..so much to choose from. ...
@beedaffy
Al Jardine's voice sounds as clear and strong as ever; Matt Jardine, too!~ Three cheers to Brian Wilson and gang have brought so much joy to living.
@gregnormal55.
Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe.
@leximojito1218
we were luck enough to see them in Dublin Ireland just before COVID hit, They were absolutely magical
@Howardadams-br3eu
Al is one of about 8 people that remember my name After 8 or so years.intead of the lighting guy! Al Jardine was amazing.