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.
Years May Come Years May Go
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And see what we can find
Last year has gone for everyone
Passed with time
What happened to us then
Can't happen once again
And what's now all to me?
Years may come (Many years are still ahead)
Years may go (Many years have passed)
Some go fast (They belong to yesterday)
Some go slow (Still the memories last)
Some are good (Couldn't stop the laughter flowing)
Some are bad (Couldn't stop the tears)
For each one (Thank the Lord that we have been)
Just be glad (Together through the years)
Whenever I review
The lovin' times with you
I wouldn't change a single page
We've lived through
It wasn't always smooth
Sometimes we'd jump the groove
We've shed some tears and then
Loved again
Years may come (Many years are still ahead)
Years may go (Many years have passed)
Some go fast (They belong to yesterday)
Some go slow (Still the memories last)
Some are good (Couldn't stop the laughter flowing)
Some are bad (Couldn't stop the tears)
For each one (Thank the Lord that we have been)
Just be glad (Together through the years)
Heartaches I don't doubt
Life's sure to dish us out
We'll beat the lot and that is what
Life's all about
Whatever may come true
Ahead for me and you
Some day it all will be
Memories
Years may come (Many years are still ahead)
Years may go (Many years have passed)
Some go fast (They belong to yesterday)
Some go slow (Still the memories last)
Some are good (Couldn't stop the laughter flowing)
Some are bad (Couldn't stop the tears)
For each one (Thank the Lord that we have been)
Just be glad (Together through the years)
In "Years May Come Years May Go" by The Irish Rovers, the singer reflects on the passing of time and the memories that come with it. The first verse acknowledges that last year has passed for everyone, and encourages the listener to look back and see what they can find. The chorus emphasizes the range of experiences that each year brings, from the fast and slow moments to the good and bad.
The second verse takes a more personal tone, as the singer reflects on their own past with a loved one. Despite not always having a smooth journey, the singer wouldn't change a single page of their shared story. They also acknowledge that life is sure to bring heartache but that they will beat it all, with memories being the ultimate takeaway.
Overall, the song is a tribute to the nostalgia that comes with the passage of time, and the importance of cherishing the memories made along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's take a look behind
Let us take a moment to reflect on the past
And see what we can find
To see what lessons we have learned
Last year has gone for everyone
The previous year has ended for all of us
Passed with time
It went by while we were living our lives
What happened to us then
What we experienced during that time
Can't happen once again
The exact same events cannot be repeated
And what's now all to me?
What is happening in the present moment
History
What has already occurred in the past
Years may come (Many years are still ahead)
There are still many more years to come
Years may go (Many years have passed)
Many years have already passed
Some go fast (They belong to yesterday)
Some years seemed to fly by
Some go slow (Still the memories last)
Some years felt long, but we still remember them
Some are good (Couldn't stop the laughter flowing)
Some years were filled with happiness and laughter
Some are bad (Couldn't stop the tears)
Some years were filled with sadness and tears
For each one (Thank the Lord that we have been)
We should be thankful for every year that we have experienced
Just be glad (Together through the years)
We should be happy that we were able to go through those years together
Whenever I review
When I think back on
The lovin' times with you
The times that we spent together in love
I wouldn't change a single page
I wouldn't want to alter any part of it
We've lived through
We have experienced together
It wasn't always smooth
There were some difficult times
Sometimes we'd jump the groove
We would deviate from our usual routine
We've shed some tears and then
We have experienced sadness and then
Loved again
We were able to find love again
Heartaches I don't doubt
I am sure we will face more difficult times
Life's sure to dish us out
Life is bound to throw challenges our way
We'll beat the lot and that is what
We will overcome these challenges
Life's all about
That is what life is all about
Whatever may come true
Whatever may happen in the future
Ahead for me and you
What is to come for us as individuals and as a couple
Some day it all will be
One day all of this will become
Memories
Memories that we will cherish
For each one (Thank the Lord that we have been)
We should be grateful for every year that we have lived
Just be glad (Together through the years)
We should be happy that we were able to go through those years together
Lyrics © BUDDE MUSIC FRANCE, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDRE CHARLES JEAN POPP, JACK FISHMAN, JEAN CLAUDE MASSOULIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
lauren daugharty
this song always makes me cry for lots of reasons. my mom used to play it for me when I was a kid.
NitroCharge 240
this song makes me feel nostalgic in more way than one, I've been listening to this done I was a toddler
Linda Sherrin
I love this song I used it in a slide show for my daughter when she graduated from HS .. years ago 1990
Arizona Paul
This is one of my favorite songs by the Rovers. I love the way they do it.
Tine de Jong
Great song. I love it!!!! Thanks for the upload.
yazz444
One of my fave Irish Rover songs.
The Irish Rovers
This means more today than when we sang it.
Sigrid Carlsson Wile
@Jake LaGotta Exactly right!
The Irish Rovers
thanks for the kind words, @Viperkal . We're still around and making music with some from all decades here https://www.youtube.com/user/TheIrishRoversMusic
Viperkal
As was the case with all the songs that The Irish Rovers "covered", this arrangement is infinitely better than Herman's Hermits. This band had something very special and are still beloved by millions.