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 Stolen Child
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Houvan, Houvan, gurry our foe
Gurry our foe, Gurry our foe
Houvan, Houvan, gurry our foe
They stole my darlin' baby, oh
Verse 2:
I found the home of the mountain mist
I found a little yellow farm
But I never found by baby, oh
Verse 3:
One early May on a day so clear
I left my baby lying here
I left her sleeping in the glen
And I went to gather blackberries
Verse 4:
Houvan, Houvan, gurry our foe
Gurry our foe, Gurry our foe
Houvan, Houvan, gurry our foe
They stole my darlin' baby, oh
The Irish Rovers's song, The Stolen Child, is a haunting ballad that tells a tragic story of a mother's loss as she seeks to rescue her child. The song opens with the refrain "Houvan, Houvan, gurry our foe, They stole my darlin' baby, oh." This refrain sets the scene for the heart-wrenching story of a mother whose child has been taken from her.
In the first verse, the mother pleads with the forces of nature to help her find her missing child. She uses the repetition of "Gurry our foe" to emphasize her desperation and hopelessness. The second verse describes the mother's search for her child as she wanders through the misty mountains and the yellow fields. Despite her efforts, she is unable to find her baby, and her grief is palpable.
The third verse describes the day her baby was taken from her. She left the child sleeping in the glen while she went to gather blackberries. The imagery of the peaceful glen and the mother's innocent act of berry picking makes the loss even more tragic. However, it's the repetition of the refrain "They stole my darling baby, oh" that drives home the heartbreaking sorrow of the mother's plight.
Overall, The Stolen Child is a stunning and moving song that captures the pain and sadness of a mother who has lost her child. The lyrics are beautifully written and convey a sense of longing and despair that is universal.
Line by Line Meaning
Houvan, Houvan, gurry our foe
Chanting a mystical spell to protect against the enemy who took their baby.
Gurry our foe, Gurry our foe
Repeating the incantation for extra strength and emphasis.
They stole my darlin' baby, oh
Describing the tragic event that ripped their child away from them.
I found the home of the mountain mist
Discovering a place of calm and serenity amidst the turmoil of searching for their missing child.
The mountain mist, The mountain mist
Repeating the peaceful image of the misty mountains for soothing comfort.
I found a little yellow farm
Coming across a small and quaint farm that offered hope in their search.
But I never found by baby, oh
Keeping the heartbreak present and raw by acknowledging that despite their efforts, they still haven't found their child.
One early May on a day so clear
Recalling the exact moment they last saw their baby, with vivid details to create a haunting memory.
I left my baby lying here
Revealing the difficult admission of leaving their child behind, unknowingly to suffer a horrible fate.
I left her sleeping in the glen
Describing the peaceful state the baby was in at the time, further emphasizing the evilness of the kidnapper.
And I went to gather blackberries
Explaining the innocent reason for leaving the child alone briefly, adding to the tragedy of the situation.
Contributed by Reagan I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Russell Strong
Beautiful Song Sung By Will and George's Cousin Joe.