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.
The Highland Rogue
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sometimes he runs from danger sometimes he stands and fights
He fights for Scotland's glory and he fights for rights of man
With the Jacobites he took a rebel stand
And he's called the Highland Rogue by the soldiers of the Crown
Wi' a bounty on his head sure they hunt him up and down
He leads a merry chase through the mountains and the glens
He fought at Kilicranki beside the bold Dundee
Against the English foemen to set ould Scotland free
Victorious in battle and the pipes did gaily sing
Their bonnets raised for James the Stuart king
And he's called the Highland Rogue by the soldiers of the Crown
Wi' a bounty on his head sure they hunt him up and down
He leads a merry chase through the mountains and the glens
Rob Roy MacGregor and his Highland men
When Claymores are a-clanking you'll find him at the fore
Robbing wealthy noblemen and giving to the poor
There's no a man in Scotland who could bring him to his knees
He takes their gold and cattle as he please
And he's called the Highland Rogue by the soldiers of the Crown
Wi' a bounty on his head sure they hunt him up and down
He leads a merry chase through the mountains and the glens
Rob Roy MacGregor and his Highland men
Tae the braes of Balquidder is where he will repair
He's ready for to face whatever fate awaits him there
He'll ride until they catch him he'll ride until he falls
He'll ride until the Devil comes to call
The song "The Highland Rogue" by The Irish Rovers tells the story of a Scottish outlaw named Rob Roy MacGregor, who was considered by the soldiers of the English Crown as a dangerous criminal. The song describes his rebellious nature and his constant evasion of authorities while fighting for the glory of Scotland and the rights of its people. He is portrayed as fearless and unstoppable, always on the move and ready to fight for what he believes in.
The lyrics also mention Rob Roy's participation in the Jacobite rebellion, particularly the battle of Killicrankie, where he fought alongside the bold Dundee against the English foemen to set Scotland free. The song celebrates his victories and his defiance of the English Crown, describing him as a hero who robs wealthy noblemen and redistributes their riches to the poor, a symbol of resistance against oppression.
The song's chorus, repeated throughout, emphasizes his status as a hunted man with a bounty on his head, always leading a merry chase through the Scottish mountains and glens. Despite the danger, Rob Roy remains committed to his cause and ready to face whatever fate awaits him in the braes of Balquidder.
Line by Line Meaning
He travels by the backroads he travels by the night
He prefers to travel on backroads at night to avoid getting caught or seen.
Sometimes he runs from danger sometimes he stands and fights
He doesn't always back down from danger, but sometimes he chooses to avoid it by running away.
He fights for Scotland's glory and he fights for rights of man
He is fighting for the honor of Scotland and for the rights of its people.
With the Jacobites he took a rebel stand
He supported the Jacobite cause and fought against the British government.
And he's called the Highland Rogue by the soldiers of the Crown
The British soldiers refer to him as the Highland Rogue, as he is seen as a rebel and a threat to their authority.
Wi' a bounty on his head sure they hunt him up and down
There is a reward for his capture, causing the soldiers to pursue him relentlessly.
He leads a merry chase through the mountains and the glens
He leads the soldiers on a wild and sometimes enjoyable chase through the Scottish countryside.
Rob Roy MacGregor and his Highland men
He is often accompanied by other Highlanders, including the famous Rob Roy MacGregor.
He fought at Kilicranki beside the bold Dundee
He fought in the Battle of Killiecrankie alongside the brave John Graham of Claverhouse.
Against the English foemen to set ould Scotland free
He fought against the English forces in order to gain freedom for Scotland.
Victorious in battle and the pipes did gaily sing
He was successful in the battle, and celebratory music was played on the Scottish bagpipes.
Their bonnets raised for James the Stuart king
They raised their hats in honor of James Stuart, the rightful king of Scotland in their eyes.
When Claymores are a-clanking you'll find him at the fore
He is often at the front lines of battles, with the sound of swords clashing in the background.
Robbing wealthy noblemen and giving to the poor
He steals from the wealthy and redistributes their wealth to those in need.
There's no a man in Scotland who could bring him to his knees
He is too strong and resilient to be defeated by anyone in Scotland.
He takes their gold and cattle as he please
He takes their riches and livestock without any hesitation or remorse.
Tae the braes of Balquidder is where he will repair
He often seeks refuge in the hills of Balquidder to rest and recover.
He's ready for to face whatever fate awaits him there
He is prepared to face whatever consequences may come his way while he rests in Balquidder.
He'll ride until they catch him he'll ride until he falls
He will keep fleeing on horseback until he is caught or until he physically can't ride anymore.
He'll ride until the Devil comes to call
He will keep running on horseback until the end of his days, even until death comes to claim him.
Lyrics © ANTRIM MUSIC PUBLISHING, LTD., O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: George Millar
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
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