Whiskey in the Jar

Thin Lizzy

About Whiskey in the Jar

"Whiskey in the Jar" is an Irish traditional song set in the southern mountains of Ireland, often with specific mention of counties Cork and Kerry. The song, about a rapparee (highwayman) who is betrayed by his wife or lover, is one of the most widely performed traditional Irish songs and has been recorded by numerous artists since the 1950s. The song first gained wide exposure when the Irish folk band The Dubliners performed it internationally as a signature song, and recorded it on three albums in the 1960s. In the U. S., the song was popularized by The Highwaymen, who recorded it on their 1962 album Encore. The Irish rock band Thin Lizzy hit the Irish and British pop charts with the song in 1973. In 1990, The Dubliners re-recorded the song with The Pogues with a faster rocky version charting at No.4 in Ireland and No.63 in the UK. The American metal band Metallica in 1998 played a version very similar to that of Thin Lizzy's, though with a heavier sound, winning a Grammy for the song in 2000 for Best Hard Rock Performance. In 2019, Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams performed a cover of the song on his album Shine a Light. 


Year:
1987
117 
#1

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

As I was goin' over the Cork and Kerry mountains.
I saw Captain Farrell and his money he was countin'.
I first produced my pistol and then produced my rapier.
I said stand o'er and deliver or the devil he may take ya.

Musha ring dumb a do dumb a da.
Whack for my daddy-o,
Whack for my daddy-o.
There's whiskey in the jar-o.

I took all of his money and it was a pretty penny.
I took all of his money and I brought it home to Molly.
She swore that she'd love me, never would she leave me.
But the devil take that woman for you know she tricked me easy.

Musha ring dumb a do dumb a da.
Whack for my daddy-o,
Whack for my daddy-o.
There's whiskey in the jar-o.

Being drunk and weary I went to Molly's chamber.
Takin' my money with me and I never knew the danger.
For about six or maybe seven in walked Captain Farrell.
I jumped up, fired off my pistols and I shot him with both barrels.

Musha ring dumb a do dumb a da.
Whack for my daddy-o,
Whack for my daddy-o.
There's whiskey in the jar-o.

Now some men like the fishin' and some men like the fowlin',
And some men like ta hear a cannon ball a roarin'.
Me? I like sleepin' specially in my Molly's chamber.
But here I am in prison, here I am with a ball and chain, yeah.

Musha ring dumb a do dumb a da.
Whack for my daddy-o,
Whack for my daddy-o.
There's whiskey in the jar-o.

And I got drunk on whiskey-o
And I love, I love, I love, I love, I love, I love my Molly-o.

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Thin Lizzy

Thin Lizzy are an Irish rock band formed in Dublin in 1969. Two of the founding members, drummer Brian Downey and bass guitarist/vocalist Phil Lynott, met while still in school. Lynott assumed the role of frontman and led them throughout their recording career of twelve studio albums. Thin Lizzy are best known for their songs "Whiskey in the Jar", "Jailbreak" and "The Boys Are Back in Town", all major international hits still played regularly on hard rock and classic rock radio stations. After Lynott's death in 1986, various incarnations of the band have emerged over the years based around guitarists Scott Gorham and John Sykes, though Sykes left the band in 2009. more »

3 fans

Written by: Traditional, Brian Michael Downey, Eric Bell, Philip Parris Lynott

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


4 facts about this song

Whiskey in the Jar" by Metallica
1. Heavy Metal Version: The American heavy metal band Metallica covered "Whiskey in the Jar," giving it a stronger, rock feel compared to its traditional sound. 2. Grammy: Metallica's version of the song won the band a Grammy for "Best Hard Rock Performance" in 2000. 3. Garage Inc: The song featured in Metallica's garage rock collection named "Garage Inc." released in 1998. 4. Inspired by Thin Lizzy: James Hetfield has revealed in interviews that Metallica's version was inspired by Thin Lizzy's cover of the song.
Whiskey in the Jar" by The Dubliners
1. Traditional Folk Group: As an Irish folk band, The Dubliners stayed true to the song's traditional Irish roots in their version. 2. Popular Version: The Dubliners' cover of the song remains one of the best-known renditions of "Whiskey in the Jar." 3. Included in Debut Album: They included the song in their debut album "A Drop of the Hard Stuff" released in 1967.
Whiskey in the Jar" by The Pogues
1. Celtic Punk Band: The Pogues, another popular Irish band known for their punk-inspired Celtic music, also covered "Whiskey in the Jar." 2. Unique Style: They infused their unique style into the song, giving it a punk-folk vibe that differed from previous versions.
Whiskey in the Jar" by Thin Lizzy
1. Rock Version: Thin Lizzy, an Irish rock band, gave a rock spin to "Whiskey in the Jar," setting a template that other rock bands would emulate. 2. Chart-Topper: Thin Lizzy's version of the song topped the Irish charts in 1972 and was a hit in several other countries. 3. Breakthrough Song: Despite being a traditional Irish folk song, "Whiskey in the Jar" was Thin Lizzy's breakthrough hit and remains one of the band's most popular songs. 4. Different Interpretation: Thin Lizzy's lead singer, Phil Lynott, disliked the song initially as it detoured from the band's hard rock sound. But later accepted after the song's release and success.

Discuss the Whiskey in the Jar Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Whiskey in the Jar Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/446033/Thin+Lizzy/Whiskey+in+the+Jar>.

    Missing lyrics by Thin Lizzy?

    Know any other songs by Thin Lizzy? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Whiskey in the Jar

    3.9M
    17,854     706

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Hey, teacher! _____________".
    A Don't be hard like stone!
    B Leave those kids alone!
    C Eat some more melon!
    D Leave them kids alone!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Thin Lizzy's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Thin Lizzy tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Whiskey in the Jar

    »
    • In the Name of the Father