Whiskey In The Jar
Dubliners, The · Other Songs - Dubliners, The
I met with captain Farrell and his money he was counting
I first produced my pistol and I then produced my rapier
Saying "Stand and deliver" for he were a bold deceiver
Chorus:
musha ring dumma do damma da
whack for the daddy 'ol
whack for the daddy 'ol
there's whiskey in the jar
I counted out his money and it made a pretty penny
I put it in me pocket and I took it home to Jenny
She sighed and she swore that she never would deceive me
But the devil take the women for they never can be easy
(Chorus)
I went up to my chamber, all for to take a slumber
I dreamt of gold and jewels and for sure 't was no wonder
But Jenny drew me charges and she filled them up with water
Then sent for captain Farrell to be ready for the slaughter
(Chorus)
't was early in the morning, just before I rose to travel
Up comes a band of footmen and likewise captain Farrell
I first produced me pistol for she stole away me rapier
I couldn't shoot the water, so a prisoner I was taken
(Chorus)
Now there's some take delight in the carriages a rolling
and others take delight in the hurling and the bowling
but I take delight in the juice of the barley
and courting pretty fair maids in the morning bright and early
(Chorus)
If anyone can aid me 't is my brother in the army
If I can find his station in Cork or in Killarney
And if he'll go with me, we'll go rovin' through Killkenny
And I'm sure he'll treat me better than my own a-sporting Jenny
(Chorus)
Whiskey In The Jar
Dubliners, The's 1972 recording of 'Whiskey In The Jar' stands as a seminal work in traditional Irish folk music, blending authentic storytelling with a driving, rhythmic arrangement that redefined the genre's modern sound. Originally a popular ballad from the 19th century, the track captures the gritty atmosphere of rural Irish life through its narrative of a drunken brawl and its subsequent resolution. The band's interpretation, characterized by its distinctive accordion-driven melody and percussive guitar work, brought the song to international prominence, influencing countless subsequent covers and cementing its status as a staple of the pub scene worldwide. This recording exemplifies the group's ability to preserve the spirit of old-timey Irish music while injecting it with a fresh, energetic vitality that resonated across generations.