Barroom Hero
Dropkick Murphys · Live On St. Patrick's Day [2010]
Face down in the gutter,
won't admit defeat though his clothes are soiled and black,
he's a big strong man with a child's mind,
don't you take his booze away... (hey!)
He's been at it for years drinkin balls and beers,
he's a hero to most he meets (OI OI OI!)
but inside he cries black swolen eyes,
this man he sheds no tears.
Now his wife and kids sing a different tune
as they worry bout their daddy dyin (OI OI OI!)
but this arrogant fool breaks every rule
it'll be nothin but pride that kills him
[chorus]
Can he listen no he wont,
that's all she wrote,
he'll be dead before the daylight shines,
cause' the thoughts and prayers
of a million strong might keep this fool from dying. (x2)
[chorus]
He's a legend in the bar with every scar,
fights a thousand bigger men (OI OI OI)
now he fights and loses
got all the bruises
will someone please step in?
Cause this Irish fools got a great big heart,
he keeps climbing back into the ring (OI OI OI),
in the low down circles where he holds his court,
this man he once was king...
[chorus]
This one still goes out to the Boston Punks and Skins,
a rowdy bunch they are....
varies from CDs
He's a legend in the bar with every scar,
fights a thousand bigger men (OI OI OI)
now he fights and loses
got all the bruises
will someone please step in?
Cause this Irish fools got a great big heart,
he keeps climbing back into the ring (OI OI OI),
in the low down circles where he holds his court,
this man he once was king...
[chorus]
won't admit defeat though his clothes are soiled and black,
he's a big strong man with a child's mind,
don't you take his booze away... (hey!)
He's been at it for years drinkin balls and beers,
he's a hero to most he meets (OI OI OI!)
but inside he cries black swolen eyes,
this man he sheds no tears.
Now his wife and kids sing a different tune
as they worry bout their daddy dyin (OI OI OI!)
but this arrogant fool breaks every rule
it'll be nothin but pride that kills him
[chorus]
Can he listen no he wont,
that's all she wrote,
he'll be dead before the daylight shines,
cause' the thoughts and prayers
of a million strong might keep this fool from dying. (x2)
[chorus]
He's a legend in the bar with every scar,
fights a thousand bigger men (OI OI OI)
now he fights and loses
got all the bruises
will someone please step in?
Cause this Irish fools got a great big heart,
he keeps climbing back into the ring (OI OI OI),
in the low down circles where he holds his court,
this man he once was king...
[chorus]
This one still goes out to the Boston Punks and Skins,
a rowdy bunch they are....
varies from CDs
He's a legend in the bar with every scar,
fights a thousand bigger men (OI OI OI)
now he fights and loses
got all the bruises
will someone please step in?
Cause this Irish fools got a great big heart,
he keeps climbing back into the ring (OI OI OI),
in the low down circles where he holds his court,
this man he once was king...
[chorus]
Barroom Hero
Dropkick Murphys' "Barroom Hero" is a gritty anthem from their 2010 live recording, "Live On St. Patrick's Day." The track exemplifies the band's signature blend of punk energy and traditional Irish folk instrumentation, featuring driving steel drums and rhythmic fiddle work. As a staple of their live performances, the song captures the raw, working-class spirit often found in their repertoire, reflecting themes of resilience and community. Its inclusion on this specific recording highlights the group's commitment to authentic, high-energy stage presentations that have become a defining characteristic of their discography.