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.
Turra Market
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
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I fell in with a wealthy farmer, the barnyards of Delgaty
A linten addie toorin addie, linten addie toorin ae
Linten lowrin lowrin lowrin, the barnyards of Delgaty
He promised me the one best horse that e'er I set my eyes upon
When I got to the barnyards, there was nothing there but skin and bone
A linten addie toorin addie, linten addie toorin ae
Linten lowrin lowrin lowrin, the barnyards of Delgaty
As I go down to church on Sunday, many's the bonnie lass I see
Sitting by her mothers side, winkin' over the pews at me
A linten addie toorin addie, linten addie toorin ae
Linten lowrin lowrin lowrin, the barnyards of Delgaty
Now, I can drink and no be drunken, I can fight and no be slain
I can court with another mans lass and still be welcome to me ain
A linten addie toorin addie, linten addie toorin ae
Linten lowrin lowrin lowrin, the barnyards of Delgaty
Now, I can drink and no be drunken, I can fight and no be slain
I can court with another mans lass and still be welcome to me ain
A linten addie toorin addie, linten addie toorin ae
Linten lowrin lowrin lowrin, the barnyards of Delgaty
Ah, now my candle is burnt oot, my snotter's fairly on the wane
Fare ye well ye barnyards, you'll never see me here again
A linten addie toorin addie, linten addie toorin ae
Linten lowrin lowrin lowrin, the barnyards of Delgaty
In the song "Turra Market," the singer describes his experience at a local market in the town of Turra. He recalls meeting a wealthy farmer from the nearby town of Delgaty who promised to give him the best horse he had ever seen. However, upon arriving at the farmer's barnyards, the singer was disappointed to find that the horse was nothing but skin and bone. The song then shifts to the singer's love life, where he boasts about his ability to court other men's women without any repercussions, as he can drink without getting drunk and fight without getting hurt.
The lyrics of "Turra Market" illustrate the market culture prevalent in Scotland during the 19th and early 20th centuries, where rural communities would gather to buy, sell, and trade goods. The song's narrator also provides insight into the social dynamics of the time, where men would vigorously compete for women's attention and prove their machismo through acts of strength.
Line by Line Meaning
As I got down to Turra market, Turra market for to fee
I went to Turra market to hire myself out
I fell in with a wealthy farmer, the barnyards of Delgaty
I met a rich farmer who owned the barnyards of Delgaty
He promised me the one best horse that e'er I set my eyes upon
When I got to the barnyards, there was nothing there but skin and bone
He promised me a great horse, but when I got to the barnyards, the horse was emaciated
As I go down to church on Sunday, many's the bonnie lass I see
Sitting by her mothers side, winkin' over the pews at me
I see many attractive young women at church, some of whom flirt with me from their seats next to their mothers
Now, I can drink and no be drunken, I can fight and no be slain
I can court with another mans lass and still be welcome to me ain
I am proud of my ability to hold my liquor, fight without getting hurt, and successfully woo women who are already spoken for
Ah, now my candle is burnt oot, my snotter's fairly on the wane
Fare ye well ye barnyards, you'll never see me here again
I'm getting older and my time is running out, so I'm saying goodbye to the barnyards and won't return
Writer(s): Traditional
Contributed by Samuel B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.