Meaning of "Irish Rover" by The Irish Descendants

The lyrics of "Irish Rover" can be interpreted as a reflection on the unpredictability of life's journey and the inevitable fate of mortality. The ship's voyage symbolizes the ups and downs of life, as well as the diverse and colorful characters one encounters along the way. The challenges faced by the crew, such as the measles outbreak and the sinking of the ship, serve as reminders of the fragility and impermanence of life, despite all the material wealth and possessions one may amass. Ultimately, the narrator being the last survivor of the Irish Rover highlights the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death.