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.
Willie's Gane Awa'
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
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To bid the lassies fond farewell before he gaes awa'
Willie's young and lythe and bonny loved by one and aw'
Oh what will all the lassies do when Willie gangs awa'
The first he met was Lady Kate who led him through the hall
And wi' a sad and sorry heart she let the teardrops fall
Beside the fire stood Lady Grace said ne'er a word at aw
Willie's gang to Melville Castle boots and spurs and aw'
To bid the lassies fond farewell before he gaes awa'
Willie's young and lythe and bonny loved by one and aw'
Oh what will all the lassies do when Willie gangs awa'
The next he saw was Lady Bell she wouldna smile at aw
Perhaps the lad will fancy me and disappoint ye's all
Then doon the stairs came Lady Jean the flower of them all
Saying lassies trust in Providence and you'll get husbands all
Willie's gang to Melville Castle boots and spurs and aw'
To bid the lassies fond farewell before he gaes awa'
Willie's young and lythe and bonny loved by one and aw'
Oh what will all the lassies do when Willie gangs awa'
When on his horse he rode Awa they all came tae the door
He gaily raised his bonnet blue they set up sic a roar
Their cries and tears brought Willie back he kissed them one and a'
Saying lassies bide til I get hame and I will wed yous all
Willie's gang to Melville Castle boots and spurs and aw'
To bid the lassies fond farewell before he gaes awa'
Willie's young and lythe and bonny loved by one and aw'
Oh what will all the lassies do when Willie gangs awa'
Oh what will all the lassies do when Willie gangs awa'
The Irish Rovers's song Willie's Gane Awa' tells the story of a young man named Willie who is leaving his home and the women who love him to go to Melville Castle. The song's lyrics vividly depict the scene of Willie's departure, with him donning his boots and spurs as he bids farewell to the lassies who have grown fond of him. The women are saddened to see him go, with Lady Kate leading him through the hall with tears in her eyes, and Lady Grace standing beside the fire in silence. Lady Bell does not smile, wondering if Willie will choose her over the others. However, it is Lady Jean who gives the ladies words of wisdom and a message of hope that they will find husbands as she is the flower of them all.
In the end, Willie rides away on his horse but is brought back by the cries and tears of the lassies. He kisses them all and promises that he will come back to marry them. The song's final line asks the lamenting question, "Oh what will all the lassies do when Willie gangs awa'?"
The song speaks to themes of love, longing, and competition among women. Ultimately, it is Willie who holds the power to choose who he will marry, and the women who must accept his decision. The chorus of the song is catchy, and the lyrics offer a glimpse into a different time and place, where young women would hope to find a husband and start a family.
Overall, the Irish Rovers's Willie's Gane Awa' is a poignant and nostalgic song that speaks to the yearning for love and the fear of being left behind.
Line by Line Meaning
Willie's gang to Melville Castle boots and spurs and aw'
Willie is leaving for Melville Castle wearing boots and spurs
To bid the lassies fond farewell before he gaes awa'
He is saying goodbye to the girls before he leaves
Willie's young and lythe and bonny loved by one and aw'
Willie is young, fit, and handsome, loved by all the ladies
Oh what will all the lassies do when Willie gangs awa'
All the ladies will miss Willie when he leaves
The first he met was Lady Kate who led him through the hall
Lady Kate was the first lady he saw and she showed him around the hall
And wi' a sad and sorry heart she let the teardrops fall
Lady Kate was sad and crying when he left
Beside the fire stood Lady Grace said ne'er a word at aw
Lady Grace was standing silently next to the fire
She thought that she was sure of him he gaid awa'
Lady Grace thought Willie loved her, but he left
The next he saw was Lady Bell she wouldna smile at aw
Lady Bell was not happy when Willie saw her
Perhaps the lad will fancy me and disappoint ye's all
Lady Bell thought Willie might choose her and not the other ladies
Then doon the stairs came Lady Jean the flower of them all
Lady Jean, the prettiest lady, came down the stairs
Saying lassies trust in Providence and you'll get husbands all
Lady Jean encouraged the other ladies to trust in God and they will find husbands
When on his horse he rode Awa they all came tae the door
When he rode away on his horse, all the ladies went to the door
He gaily raised his bonnet blue they set up sic a roar
Willie raised his blue hat and the ladies cheered
Their cries and tears brought Willie back he kissed them one and a'
The ladies' cries and tears made Willie come back and he kissed them all
Saying lassies bide til I get hame and I will wed yous all
Willie promised to marry all the ladies when he returns home
Oh what will all the lassies do when Willie gangs awa'
All the ladies will miss Willie when he leaves
Lyrics © DistroKid, ANTRIM MUSIC PUBLISHING, LTD.
Written by: Traditional Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.