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 Rambler from Derry
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Around Paddy's island me way I do wend
Meself and me dog over moorland and bog
We know every path through the mountains and glens
Singing fol-de-rol laddie right toor-a-lie-addy
Air fol-la-lull derry dum toor-a-lie-ay
With me pack on me back down the road I will stray
I was born a free man by the banks of the Bann
And the blood of the gypsy it runs through my veins
I've friends and relations all over this nation
Who offer me shelter from the wind and the rain
Singing fol-de-rol laddie right toor-a-lie-addy
Air fol-la-lull derry dum toor-a-lie-ay
With me pack on me back down the road I will stray
For the rambler from Derry is ramblin' away
I rove at me leisure for sport and for pleasure
Through the warm summer sun or the cold winter snow
The sights are astounding with nature abounding
In Paddy's green island where the dear shamrock grows
Singing fol-de-rol laddie right toor-a-lie-addy
Air fol-la-lull derry dum toor-a-lie-ay
With me pack on me back down the road I will stray
For the rambler from Derry is ramblin' away
I've colleens from Derry to Cork and Tipperary
From Dublin to Sljgo and wild Donegal
I squeeze them and tease them I love them and please them
When me rambles are over sure I'll marry them all
Singing fol-de-rol laddie right toor-a-lie-addy
Air fol-la-lull derry dum toor-a-lie-ay
With me pack on me back down the road I will stray
For the rambler from Derry is ramblin' away
So lift up your glasses ye lads and fine lasses
To the travelling people wherever you be
May the road rise to meet you and old friends
To greet you and may all of your rambles be happy and free
Singing fol-de-rol laddie right toor-a-lie-addy
Air fol-la-lull derry dum toor-a-lie-ay
With me pack on me back down the road I will stray
For the rambler from Derry is ramblin' away
The Irish Rovers' song "The Rambler from Derry" is a lively tune about a free-spirited man who wanders around Ireland with his dog. He roams over mountains and glens, knowing every path like the back of his hand. The song is sung in a joyful tone with a catchy chorus that invites listeners to sing along.
The lyrics speak of the rambler's carefree nature and his love for adventure. He was born near the banks of the Bann with the blood of the gypsy running through his veins. He has friends and relations throughout the land who welcome him and provide him shelter. He travels for sport and pleasure regardless of the weather, enjoying the natural beauty of Ireland. He goes on to boast about his romantic conquests, claiming to have squeezed, teased, loved, and pleased women all over the country. The song ends with a toast to all travelers and their happy journeys.
"The Rambler from Derry" is a charming tune that celebrates the free spirit of the traveler. It speaks to the adventurous side of our nature, encouraging us to hit the road and see where it takes us.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the rambler from derry lighthearted and merry
I'm a happy-go-lucky wanderer from Derry.
Around Paddy's island me way I do wend
I wander around Ireland, affectionately referring to it as Paddy's island.
Meself and me dog over moorland and bog
Me and my trusty dog roam through moors and bogs.
We know every path through the mountains and glens
We're familiar with all the paths through Ireland's mountains and valleys.
Singing fol-de-rol laddie right toor-a-lie-addy
I sing a nonsensical tune to liven up my travels.
Air fol-la-lull derry dum toor-a-lie-ay
The melody doesn't make much sense, but it's cheery nonetheless.
With me pack on me back down the road I will stray
I walk with my belongings on my back, following the road to unknown destinations.
For the rambler from Derry is ramblin' away
I am a wanderer from Derry, always moving on to the next adventure.
I was born a free man by the banks of the Bann
I was born a free man by the river Bann in Northern Ireland.
And the blood of the gypsy it runs through my veins
My ancestral heritage includes Romani roots.
I've friends and relations all over this nation
I have friends and family scattered throughout Ireland.
Who offer me shelter from the wind and the rain
When I need a place to stay, my loved ones provide me comfort and refuge.
I rove at me leisure for sport and for pleasure
I wander for the enjoyment of the journey itself.
Through the warm summer sun or the cold winter snow
Whatever the weather, I continue on my rambling journey.
The sights are astounding with nature abounding
I'm amazed by the natural beauty and abundance across Ireland.
In Paddy's green island where the dear shamrock grows
I love to travel through Ireland, where the beloved shamrock symbol flourishes.
I've colleens from Derry to Cork and Tipperary
I have female companions throughout Ireland, from Derry to Cork and Tipperary.
From Dublin to Sljgo and wild Donegal
My romantic interests span across much of Ireland, including Dublin, Sligo, and Donegal.
I squeeze them and tease them I love them and please them
I enjoy playfully flirting with and wooing my female companions.
When me rambles are over sure I'll marry them all
When my travels have come to an end, I may settle down and marry one (or all) of my paramours.
So lift up your glasses ye lads and fine lasses
Let's raise a glass to all the fellow wanderers, men and women alike.
To the travelling people wherever you be
Cheers to all those like myself who wander the world!
May the road rise to meet you and old friends
May the journey and reunions with old friends be full of joy and ease.
To greet you and may all of your rambles be happy and free
I wish all wanderers the gift of happy and free travels.
Contributed by Daniel L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.