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 Unicorn
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And there were more kinds of animals than you've ever seen
They'd run around free while the earth was being born
But the loveliest of all was the unicorn
There was green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you're born
The loveliest of all was the unicorn
Now god seen some sinnin' and it gave him pain
And he says, "stand back, I'm going to make it rain"
He says, "hey, brother Noah, I'll tell you what to do
Build me a floating zoo"
And take some of them green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you're born
Don't you forget my unicorn"
Old Noah was there to answer the call
He finished up making the ark just as the rain started fallin'
He marched in the animals two by two
And he called out as they went through
"Hey, Lord"
I've got your green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but Lord, I'm so forlorn
I just can't see no unicorn"
Then Noah looked out through the driving rain
Them unicorns was hiding, playing silly games
Kicking and splashing while the rain was pouring
Oh, them silly unicorns
There was green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees
Noah cried, "close the doors 'cause the rain is pourin'
And we just can't wait for no unicorns"
The ark started movin', it drifted with the tide
Them unicorns looked up from the rock and they cried
And the waters came down and sort of floated them away
And that's why you'll never see a unicorn, to this very day
You'll see green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you're born
You're never gonna see no unicorn
The Irish Rovers' song "The Unicorn" is a whimsical tale that tells the story of a long-gone time when the earth was still green and filled with all manners of animals, but none as beautiful as the elusive unicorn. The song tells the story of how God, seeing the sin and corruption of mankind, decided to flood the earth and start anew, instructing Noah to build a "floating zoo" filled with pairs of animals. As Noah collected the animals, including green alligators, long-necked geese, and humpty-backed camels, he remembered to bring along God's special request, the unicorn. However, as the rains began to fall and Noah called for the unicorns, they were busy playing games and were unable to get on the boat, causing them to be lost to the raging floodwaters forever.
The song's whimsical and lighthearted lyrics are meant to convey a message of loss, as the incredible beauty and mystique of the unicorn are forever lost to the world. The song also has a moralistic tone, as it suggests that even the most beautiful and unique creatures can be lost when they are not paying attention and are focused on other things. Ultimately, the song serves as a reminder that we must cherish and appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the world around us, as it may one day be lost forever.
Line by Line Meaning
A long time ago, when the earth was still green
Once upon a time in the past when the world was green
And there were more kinds of animals than you've ever seen
There were countless varieties of animals that you could not have imagined
They'd run around free while the earth was being born
The animals roamed freely while the world was still in its early stages of creation
But the loveliest of all was the unicorn
Among all the animals, the most beautiful was the unicorn
There was green alligators and long-necked geese
There were green alligators with long-necked geese
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees
There were some camels with humps, and chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you're born
There were also cats, rats, and elephants, of that you can be certain
The loveliest of all was the unicorn
But the most magnificent creature of all was the magical unicorn
Now god seen some sinnin' and it gave him pain
God witnessed some sinful acts and it caused him grief
And he says, "stand back, I'm going to make it rain"
So, he said, "Step aside, for I am going to send rain"
He says, "hey, brother Noah, I'll tell you what to do
He spoke to Noah and said, "Listen to me, my brother, and I'll tell you what to do
Build me a floating zoo"
Build me an ark that can float like a zoo
And take some of them green alligators and long-necked geese
And bring some of those green alligators along with long-necked geese
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees
And also some hump-backed camels and chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you're born
And don't forget the cats and rats along with the elephants, that's for sure
Don't you forget my unicorn"
But above all, do not leave out my beloved unicorn
Old Noah was there to answer the call
Noah was present and responded to the command
He finished up making the ark just as the rain started fallin'
He worked tirelessly to complete the ark just as the rain began to fall
He marched in the animals two by two
He led the animals into the ark in pairs
And he called out as they went through
As they went in, he called out
Hey, Lord"
"Hey, Lord
I've got your green alligators and long-necked geese
I have gathered your green alligators and long-necked geese
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees
Also some hump-backed camels and chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but Lord, I'm so forlorn
And don't forget the cats, rats, and elephants, but I feel miserable, my Lord
I just can't see no unicorn"
I can't find any trace of your precious unicorn
Then Noah looked out through the driving rain
Noah looked through the heavy rainfall
Them unicorns was hiding, playing silly games
The unicorns were playing silly games and hiding
Kicking and splashing while the rain was pouring
They kicked and splashed around as the rain poured down
Oh, them silly unicorns
Oh, those foolish unicorns
Noah cried, "close the doors 'cause the rain is pourin'
Noah shouted out, "Close the doors, the rain is pouring down"
And we just can't wait for no unicorns"
We have no time to wait for the unicorns, unfortunately
The ark started movin', it drifted with the tide
The ark began to move, drifting with the current
Them unicorns looked up from the rock and they cried
The unicorns looked from the rocks and they cried
And the waters came down and sort of floated them away
The waters rose and floated them away
And that's why you'll never see a unicorn, to this very day
And that is the reason why unicorns have never been seen to this very day
You'll see green alligators and long-necked geese
You might see green alligators along with long-necked geese
Some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees
You may also find some hump-backed camels and chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you're born
And surely enough, you will find cats, rats, and elephants among them
You're never gonna see no unicorn
However, you will never find a unicorn
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SHEL SILVERSTEIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
The Casual Gamer
"The Unicorn" by The Irish Rovers is such a timeless classic, and I can't help but get swept away every time I hear it. The lyrics are so full of vivid imagery, and they bring to life a world of fantastical creatures like green alligators and long-necked geese. The idea of these creatures running around freely while the earth was being born is just so enchanting, and it's easy to see why the Unicorn was considered the loveliest of them all.
It's interesting to see how the Unicorns are tied into the story of Noah's Ark, with God ordering Noah to build a floating zoo and make sure he doesn't forget the Unicorns. The scene of the Unicorns hiding and playing silly games while the rain was pouring is just so charming and playful, and it's easy to see why they were such a beloved creature.
But despite the rain and the rising waters, the Unicorns were not included on the Ark, and that's why we'll never see them to this day. This song provides us with a glimpse of what it might have been like to live in a world filled with Unicorns, and it's a shame that we'll never get to experience that for ourselves.
In conclusion, "The Unicorn" by The Irish Rovers is a true masterpiece, and it's a song that will always hold a special place in my heart. Whether you're a fan of classic children's music, or just a lover of imaginative and melodic tunes, this song is sure to bring a smile to your face and a song to your lips.
#TheIrishRovers #TheUnicorn #Noah #Arks #Creatures #Imagination #Melody #MusicLovers #70sMusic #ChildrensMusic #TimelessClassics #VividImagery #FantasyCreatures #PlayfulLyrics #CatchyMelody #BeeGees #MileyCyrus #WonderAndMagic #MusicThatBringsJoy.
Debera Stewart
My father always sang this to my daughter when she was little and on St Paddy's day would call her and sang to her - RIP Daddy :-(
Richard Ambrose
Always played several times during the St. Pat’s festivities at my local Irish Pub.
michael angshuk biswas
Don't worry. He is in Heaven praying for all of us. Be happy that we now have an extra Saint up in Heaven praying for you and me.
Bass&bluegill
Sorry for your loss
1allanbmw
This is one of those little jewels of your youth, that you don't see much of anymore as an adult, but is prized above almost all else from your young life and treasures. You want everyone to know it, hear it, and love it as much as you do, but at the same time, don't want to share it else the shine wears off or people might take it for granted. I heard it today on a little radio station in central Utah and I had to just pull over, stop and reminisce when I was 8 and this was a new song to me (1967). I think it endeared me even more to Ireland and all things from Shannon. It's really wonderful to be able to find it here on YT and share it with others once more. Thank you for posting it! God bless!
The Casual Gamer
"The Unicorn" by The Irish Rovers is such a timeless classic, and I can't help but get swept away every time I hear it. The lyrics are so full of vivid imagery, and they bring to life a world of fantastical creatures like green alligators and long-necked geese. The idea of these creatures running around freely while the earth was being born is just so enchanting, and it's easy to see why the Unicorn was considered the loveliest of them all.
It's interesting to see how the Unicorns are tied into the story of Noah's Ark, with God ordering Noah to build a floating zoo and make sure he doesn't forget the Unicorns. The scene of the Unicorns hiding and playing silly games while the rain was pouring is just so charming and playful, and it's easy to see why they were such a beloved creature.
But despite the rain and the rising waters, the Unicorns were not included on the Ark, and that's why we'll never see them to this day. This song provides us with a glimpse of what it might have been like to live in a world filled with Unicorns, and it's a shame that we'll never get to experience that for ourselves.
In conclusion, "The Unicorn" by The Irish Rovers is a true masterpiece, and it's a song that will always hold a special place in my heart. Whether you're a fan of classic children's music, or just a lover of imaginative and melodic tunes, this song is sure to bring a smile to your face and a song to your lips.
#TheIrishRovers #TheUnicorn #Noah #Arks #Creatures #Imagination #Melody #MusicLovers #70sMusic #ChildrensMusic #TimelessClassics #VividImagery #FantasyCreatures #PlayfulLyrics #CatchyMelody #BeeGees #MileyCyrus #WonderAndMagic #MusicThatBringsJoy.
Bina Craine
The song that started it all... Glory be to the Unicorn Song - what WOULD we all have done without the Irish Rovers??
ana arbués
Hey??? Irish? But we sing it in Spanish!! I thought it was a translation from the Spanish folk
gregzsidisin
An old Irish tune... Written by a Jewish guy from Chicago, the famed Shel Silverstein. I only discovered this within the past few years. )))
musicbox193
SHel Silverstein wrote it