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.
Stop Look Listen
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stop, Look, Listen. See what you can find
An orangutang who can sing
Pirate ships and gypsy kings
Now a horse who learned to fly
Don′t know how. Don't know why
Driven by two jellied eels
But don′t drive it at full pelt
Or the chocolate tires will melt
Do you know that smiling in your sleep
Means there are secrets that you keep
Locked up in boxes in your head
Wise men find them when you're dead
The Irish Rovers song "Stop Look Listen" seems to be a playful tune that encourages listeners to take a break, look around them and discover interesting things that surround them. The singer invites the audience to pay attention to tales that stimulate their imagination and inspire them. In this song, the singer shares stories of bizarre and wonderful things that can be found in the world. For instance, there is an orangutan with a singing voice, pirate ships, and gypsy kings. The lyrics tell of a horse that can fly, a car with Liquorice wheels, and chocolate tires that will melt if driven too fast. The lyrics conclude with the claim that smiling in your sleep could be an indication of secrets hidden in your mind that only wise men could find when you're dead.
The song "Stop Look Listen" is an uplifting and fun-filled tune that seems to evoke the child-like sense of wonder and excitement about the world. The playful and imaginative lyrics encourage listeners to take a break and discover the beauty of the world around them. The song also has a subtle message about the power of imagination to transcend the ordinary and discover the extraordinary. In conclusion, The Irish Rovers's song "Stop Look Listen" is a playful reminder to slow down, look around, and discover the wonders of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Listen while I tell you Tales to warm your mind
Pay attention to the stories that I'm about to tell you. They are meant to fill your mind with happiness and delight.
Stop, Look, Listen. See what you can find
Take a moment to slow down and observe the world around you. You never know what wonderful things you might discover.
An orangutang who can sing
Imagine a world where even animals possess extraordinary talents; such as the ability to sing.
Pirate ships and gypsy kings
Travel with your imagination to the high seas and exotic lands, where pirates and gypsies roam free.
Now a horse who learned to fly
Think of the unimaginable wonders that can happen, such as horses learning to fly, without any explanation how it's possible.
Don′t know how. Don't know why
These magical occurrences are beyond anyone's comprehension or understanding.
Buy a car with Liquorice wheels
Imagine a car made of candy and confectionary, with wheels made of liquorice.
Driven by two jellied eels
Picture two strange creatures, jellied eels, driving this sugary sweet car.
But don′t drive it at full pelt
Be careful with things that are too good to be true, like driving a candy car too fast.
Or the chocolate tires will melt
Enjoy the magic in moderation; if you push something too far, it might eventually fall apart.
Do you know that smiling in your sleep
Smiling while sleeping might be an indication of having pleasant dreams and fond memories.
Means there are secrets that you keep
Our subconscious mind often hordes hidden thoughts or secrets that we're not aware of while we're awake.
Locked up in boxes in your head
Our mental state is littered with locked-away thoughts and memories that have the power to either lift us up or bring us down.
Wise men find them when you're dead
Only after we're long gone from this world, someone will be wise enough to find and understand our deepest secrets and all that remains of our lives.
Contributed by Jonathan D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.