Týr began in January 1998. Heri Joensen met his old bandmate, Kári Streymoy, at a party in Copenhagen, Denmark. Joensen suggested to Streymoy that they should meet up and jam. Streymoy initially declined, but later took him up on his offer.
They were soon joined by another former bandmate, bassplayer Gunnar H. Thomsen, making the duo a trio. They began making music which was heavily inspired by Norse mythology, Faroese traditional music, and heavy metal music in general. According to the band's frontman Heri Joensen, Týr's "musical mission is to break down the walls that are erected between all the kinds of metal that have arisen over the years. Power-, doom-, black-, progressive-, gothic-, viking-, folk-, ethnic- and epic metal. Walls and labels do nothing but fill people with prejudice."[1]
The name of the band comes from Týr, a Norse god. Before Týr, Joensen and Thomsen formed their first band, at the age of seventeen. They called themselves Cruiser. Streymoy also played with them for a short while. They later changed their name to Wolfgang. Although neither band released any albums, Wolfgang lasted until 2000, which was long enough to record an undisclosed amount of songs that, according to Joensen are "pretty much ready to release.[2]"
Týr was a part of the Paganfest tour in Europe and the US in 2008, with Ensiferum headlining. Other bands on the tour included Eluveitie, Turisas in the US, and Moonsorrow and Korpiklaani joined them on the European part of the tour.
The Wild Rover
Týr Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I've spent all my money on whiskey and beer
But now I'm returning with gold in great store
And never I'll play the wild rover no more
I went to a shanty I used to frequent
And told the landlady my money were spent
I asked her for credit, she answered me "Nay"
And it's no nay never
No nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more
I drew from my pocket ten sovereigns bright
The landlady's eyes opened wide with delight
Saying, "I have the whiskey and wine of the best
And the words that I told you were only in jest"
And it's no nay never
No nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more
I'll go home to my parents, tell them what I've done
And hope they will pardon their prodigal son
And if they will do as so often before
No never I'll play the wild rover no more
And it's no nay never
No nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more
The lyrics to Týr's song "The Wild Rover" tell the story of a man who has lived a reckless life, spending all of his money on whiskey and beer. However, he is now returning with a newfound wealth, and has decided to leave his wild ways behind him. The song is written in the first-person, which allows the listener to easily empathize with the singer's journey of redemption.
One of the most interesting things about this song is the fact that it is a traditional Irish and Scottish folk song that has been passed down through generations. The exact origins of the song are not known, but it is believed to date back to the 17th or 18th century. The song has been recorded by countless musicians and has been adapted for various purposes over the years.
Another interesting aspect of the song is the use of the phrase "no nay never" which has become somewhat of a catchphrase for fans of Irish and Scottish music. The phrase is thought to have originated from the traditional Irish drinking song "The Wild Rover", but has since taken on a life of its own and is often used as a rallying cry at sporting events or other celebrations.
The song's message of redemption and the singer's decision to leave his wild ways behind him is also particularly poignant. It is a reminder that no matter how far down the wrong path we might go, it is always possible to turn things around and make a fresh start.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been a wild rover for many a year
I have lived a reckless and carefree life for a long time.
And I've spent all my money on whiskey and beer
I wasted all my savings on alcohol.
But now I'm returning with gold in great store
But I have come back now with treasure in abundance.
And never I'll play the wild rover no more
And I swear never to live recklessly again.
I went to a shanty I used to frequent
I visited a bar I often used to go to.
And told the landlady my money were spent
I informed the owner of the bar that I had no money left.
I asked her for credit, she answered me "Nay"
I requested her to provide me with credit, but she refused to do so.
Saying, "Customers like you I can get any day"
She made it clear that I was not a special customer to her.
And it's no nay never
And now that I have changed my ways,
No nay never no more
I am sure I will never live like a wild rover again.
Will I play the wild rover
I will not lead a life of alcohol and chaos
I drew from my pocket ten sovereigns bright
I showed her ten shiny gold coins from my pocket.
The landlady's eyes opened wide with delight
She was pleased to see the money
Saying, "I have the whiskey and wine of the best
She offered me the best quality whiskey and wine.
And the words that I told you were only in jest"
And she claimed her previous refusal of credit was only a joke.
I'll go home to my parents, tell them what I've done
I will return home and confess everything to my parents.
And hope they will pardon their prodigal son
And I wish they will forgive their reckless child.
And if they will do as so often before
And if they forgive me as they have done many times before,
No never I'll play the wild rover no more
I swear not to go back to my foolish ways again.
Contributed by Brayden D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
IamMaxPower
I just fund this old cd that i bought on a family visit to Faroe Islands many years ago... Now its on repeat!!!!!!!.......
When death Dies
Hail TYR best cover of the wild rover.. From Ireland
chungus khan
TFW you forget the Faroese are Norse-Gaels
poltergoose420
It's ok the Irish are more then happy to share their music from what i can gather about them.
Teralcraft
They are Farrosse
Sigyn Maddock
Probably my favorite version, now.
Jordi López
Great version! I Love it!
Snakeman
Pure class one if my now fav viking metal bands
Horst Faller
Tyr 🤘🤘I can't stop listen to this song 🤘🤘
Heathen Alchemist
Best version IMO.