In Ireland, the song “Irish Rover” is one of the great classics of traditional Irish music! Who hasn’t been carried away by this catchy melody, sung in Irish pubs and during St. Patrick’s Day festivities around the world? But how much do you really know about the origin and significance of this Irish classic? Sit back, have a pint and let us reveal the secrets of this iconic song.
History of the Irish Rover song
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The origin of the song is uncertain. It is thought to have been composed at the beginning of the 20th century, but may well be older. The song was first recorded in 1917 by The Clancy Brothers.
The song tells the story of a ship, the Irish Rover, setting sail for America. The ship is packed with passengers from all walks of life, including sailors, farmers, women and children. Along the way, the ship encounters many adventures. It is shipwrecked, attacked by pirates and caught in a storm. But the ship eventually reached its destination, America.
The song is often attributed to the public domain, but many artists and bands, including The Pogues and The Dubliners, have contributed to its popularity.
The song “Irish Rover” is an animated tale of adventure at sea. It’s about exploration and courage.
It refers to Irish emigration to the United States. It was at this time that the Irish left Ireland in droves to try their luck in America.
Conditions aboard the boats were often difficult. He wasn’t always sure he’d arrive safely. There are major health risks involved, as well as the dangers associated with sailing on the high seas.
What’s more, the song tends to rely on exaggeration. The story uses hyperbole to describe the ship and its cargo, which can be interpreted as a humorous criticism of exaggerated travelogues or sailors’ boasts.
Finally, the song illustrates the ups and downs of life, the importance of fate and luck, themes that are very present in Irish culture… but also in sailors’ stories!
“Irish Rover” has not only stood the test of time, it has also become a staple of Irish folk music. It’s often sung at parties, in Irish pubs and even at cultural events, symbolizing the joy, drama and adventurous spirit so characteristic of Irish culture.
The Irish often sing it along, creating a unique atmosphere.
The song is so popular today, in fact, that it has also been used in numerous films and TV series, including The Quiet Man (1952), The Simpsons (1991), and The Wire (2002).
On the fourth of July, 1806
We set sail from the sweet cove of Cork
We were sailing away with a cargo of bricks
For the Grand City Hall in New York
‘Twas a wonderful craft
She was rigged fore and aft
And oh, how the wild wind drove her
She stood several blasts
She had twenty-seven masts
And they called her The Irish Rover
We had one million bags of the best Sligo Rags
We had two million barrels of stone
We had three million sides of old blind horses hides
We had four million barrels of bones
We had five million hogs
Six million dogs
Seven million barrels of porter
We had eight million bails of old nanny goats’ tails
In the hold of The Irish Rover
There was ol’ Mickey Coote
Who played hard on his flute
When the ladies lined up for a set
He was tootin’ with skill
For each sparkling quadrille
Though the dancers were fluther’d and bet
With his smart witty talk
He was cock of the walk
And he rolled the dames under and over
They all knew at a glance
When he took up his stance
That he sailed in The Irish Rover
There was Barney McGee
From the banks of the Lee
There was Hogan from County Tyrone
There was Johnny McGurk
Who was scared stiff of work
And a man from Westmeath called Malone
There was Slugger O’Toole
Who was drunk as a rule
And fighting Bill Treacy from Dover
And your man, Mick MacCann
From the banks of the Bann
Was the skipper on The Irish Rover
For the sailor it’s always a bother in life
It’s so lonesome by night and by day
That he longs for the shore
And a charming young whore
Who will melt all his troubles away
Oh, the noise and the rout
Swillin’ poitin and stout
For him soon the torment’s over
Of the love of a maid, he is never afraid
That old salt from The Irish Rover
We had sailed seven years
When the measles broke out
And the ship lost its way in the fog
And that whale of a crew
Was reduced down to two
Just myself and the Captain’s old dog
Then the ship struck a rock
Oh Lord, what a shock
The bulkhead was turned right over
Turned nine times around
And the poor old dog was drowned
And the last of The Irish Rover
