For our latest song of the day we go old school rock. We go to a popular little tune from the rock band who call the Land of Eire their home. I am talking about Thin Lizzy’s “Whiskey in the Jar”.

This song is a traditional Irish ballad which some have dated its origin as the 17th-century. Though the song has been sung and covered by many bands through the last hundred years many today are more familiar of the cover done by Thin Lizzy and it’s legend bass guitarist/lead vocalist Phil Lynott. They released their cover of “Whiskey in the Jar” in 1972. The song became a major hit for the band and has remained one of the most beloved rock songs of the past 30 or so years.

The interesting thing about this song is the fact that Thin Lizzy were quite angry that the song was released as a single since they thought the song didn’t really show the band’s true image and sound. They have seen accepted it one of their many songs which would be a strong legacy for the band long after it’s long gone.

Whiskey in the Jar

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 dum a do dum 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 dum a do dum 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 dum a do dum 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 to 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 dum a do dum 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….