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 Overlanders
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's a trade you all know well
And it's bringing cattle over,
On every track to the gulf and back
Men know the Queensland drover.
So pass the billy round boys,
Don't let the pint pot stand there
Of every Overlander.
Verse 2
I come from the Northern plains
Where the girls and grass are scanty
Where the creeks run dry or ten feet high
And it's either drought or plenty.
So pass the billy round boys,
Don't let the pint pot stand there
For tonight we'll drink the health
Of every Overlander.
Verse 3
There are men from every land
From Spain and France and Flanders
They're a well mixed pack, both white and black
The Queensland Overlanders.
So pass the billy round boys,
Don't let the pint pot stand there
For tonight we'll drink the health
Of every Overlander.
Verse 4
When we've earned a spree in town
We live like pigs in clover
And the whole dam cheque pours down the neck
Of many a Queensland drover.
So pass the billy round boys,
Don't let the pint pot stand there
For tonight we'll drink the health
Of every Overlander.
As I pass along the road,
The children raise my dander
Shouting "Mother dear, take in the clothes
Here comes an Overlander".
So pass the billy round boys,
Don't let the pint pot stand there
For tonight we'll drink the health
Of every Overlander.
The Irish Rovers' song The Overlanders is an ode to the hardworking Queensland drovers, who transport cattle through the long and arduous journey to the gulf and back. The lyrics speak about the various experiences of drovers from different places and backgrounds, highlighting the diversity of the trade. The song acknowledges the physical and emotional toll that the job takes and the pleasure of letting loose when earning a spree in town. The final verse touches on how the people react to drovers passing by with their lively and chaotic presence.
The song pays tribute to the Queensland drovers and depicts the ups and downs that come with the trade, but there's also a sense of camaraderie and joy in the lyrics. Through the communal act of passing the billy around and raising a toast to every overlander, the song forms a bond between the listeners and the drovers as they share in their experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a trade you all know well
Many know the occupation of bringing cattle over the tracks to the gulf and back, known as the Queensland drover.
On every track to the gulf and back
The occupation of bringing cattle over the tracks to the gulf and back, known as the Queensland drover, is one that occurs frequently.
Men know the Queensland drover.
This occupation is well known to men.
So pass the billy round boys,
Pass the metal can used for boiling water for tea or coffee, boys.
Don't let the pint pot stand there
Don't leave the container for alcoholic beverages standing there unused.
For tonight we'll drink the health
Tonight, we will drink to the health and well-being of each and every Queensland drover.
Of every Overlander.
Of those bringing cattle over the tracks to the gulf and back, known as the Queensland drover.
I come from the Northern plains
I originate from the Northern plains region.
Where the girls and grass are scanty
In this region, there is a lack of both available women and vegetation.
Where the creeks run dry or ten feet high
In this region, the water in the creeks either dries up, or after heavy rain, raises to ten feet high.
And it's either drought or plenty.
The weather in this region is either very dry, or with heavy rain, yields plentiful water and vegetation.
There are men from every land
The Queensland Overlanders originate from various places such as Spain, France, and Flanders.
From Spain and France and Flanders
The Queensland Overlanders are from Spain, France, Flanders and other various places.
They're a well mixed pack, both white and black
The Queensland Overlanders are of many different races and cultures.
When we've earned a spree in town
After earning money from their occupation, the Queensland drovers participate in spending sprees in town.
We live like pigs in clover
During these spending sprees, the Queensland drovers live like they have all the wealth in the world.
And the whole dam cheque pours down the neck
The entire paycheck is spent by the Queensland drovers on excesses during their spending sprees.
Of many a Queensland drover.
This habit applies to many workers in the Queensland drover occupation.
As I pass along the road,
While walking along the road,
The children raise my dander
Children call out to me with excitement,
Shouting "Mother dear, take in the clothes
Yelling requests to their mother to take in the clothing,
Here comes an Overlander".
Upon seeing an Overlander approaching.
Contributed by Ian S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.