Christy Moore started in the music business in the mid-sixties, when his life as a bank clerk was interrupted by a bank strike, and he moved to England. There he became involved in the folk music scene at the time, and spent a few years playing pubs and clubs around the country.
His return to Ireland was marked by the album 'Prosperous', which proved to be a milestone in the rapprochement of Irish music to the popular mainstream. This album benefited from a collaboration of the leading talents of contemporary folk music, musicians such as Andy Irvine, Donal Lunny and Liam O'Flynn, and this one-off was to lead to the formation of Planxty, a band who were soon to be at the leading edge of the revival of Irish traditional music.
Over the following years the musical status of Planxty became legendary both in Ireland, Britain and throughout Europe. However in 1974 the band split up to pursue solo projects. It was during this period that Christy continued to explore new ground as a solo artist recording a number of solo albums including 'The Iron Behind the Velvet' (TARACD2002) which featured Andy Irvine and 'Live in Dublin' (TARACD2005) with Donal Lunny.
The original Planxty lineup of Christy, Andy, Liam and Donal then reformed in 1979. They recorded two further albums with Tara Records 'After the Break' (TARACD3001) and 'The Woman I Loved So Well' (TARACD3005). There were several additions and changes to their lineup most notably the addition of Matt Molloy, flautist from The Bothy Band, who later joined The Chieftains, and Bill Whelan.
In 1981 Planxty performed a Bill Whelan arrangement called 'Timedance' as the intermission piece for the Eurovision song contest, held that year in Ireland. Later it was released as a single and is now included on Bill's CD of 'The Seville Suite' (TARACD3030) released by Tara in 1992.
In the eighties Christy again teamed up with Donal Lunny to form Moving Hearts, another ambitious and innovative Irish band which sought to mix jazz into the folk-rock fusion. Ever the wanderer, Christy was soon breaking out on his own again, and it was in the eighties that he began to establish himself as one of Ireland's leading solo artists with a string of acclaimed albums and high profile tours.
In the mid-nineties Christy decided to take a break from the music for a few years. In the year 2000 Christy return to live performances with a series of Dublin concerts. Over the last few years he has released a number of solo projects including a television series, a live album and a 6 CD boxset.
Whiskey in the Jar
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 you are my bould deciever
Musha ring dumma do dumma da
Whack fol de daddy-o
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 decieve
Me
But the devil take the women for they never can be easy
Musha ring dumma do dumma da
Whack fol de daddy-o
Whack fol de daddy-o
There's whiskey in the jar
I went up to my chamber all for to take a slumber
I dreamt of golden jewels and for sure it 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
Musha ring dumma do dumma da
Whack fol de daddy-o
Whack fol de daddy-o
There's whiskey in the jar
It was early in the morning just before I rose to
Travel
Up comes a band of footmen and likewise captain Farrell
I first produced my pistol for she'd stole away my
Rapier
I couldn't shoot the water so a prisoner I was taken
Musha ring dumma do dumma da
Whack fol de daddy-o
Whack fol de daddy-o
There's whiskey in the jar
And if anyone can aid me it's my brother in the army
If I can find a station in Cork or in Killarney
And if he'll go with me we'll go roaming in Kilkenny
And I'm sure he'll treat me better than my only
Sporting Jenny
Musha ring dumma do dumma da
Whack fol de daddy-o
Whack fol de daddy-o
There's whiskey in the jar
Whiskey In The Jar is a traditional Irish folk song that has been popularized by numerous artists, including Thin Lizzy and Christy Moore. The lyrics tell the story of a highwayman who meets Captain Farrell while travelling in the Kerry Mountains. The highwayman unsuccessfully attempts to rob Captain Farrell, but is later betrayed by his lover, Jenny, and captured by Farrell and his men. The highwayman hopes that his brother in the army can help him escape.
The lyrics of Whiskey In The Jar are a classic example of Irish storytelling through song. The highwayman is portrayed as a complex character who is both a thief and a romantic. He is formidable in his attempts to rob Farrell, but also vulnerable to his lover's treachery. The chorus of the song, with its catchy melody and repetitive lyrics, serves as a reminder of the importance of whiskey in Irish culture and adds to the sense of rowdy fun that characterizes much of Irish folk music.
Overall, Whiskey In The Jar is a quintessential example of the enduring appeal of traditional Irish folk music. Its combination of a compelling story, memorable melody, and lively chorus has made it a beloved song that continues to be enjoyed by audiences all over the world.
Line by Line Meaning
As I was going over the far famed Kerry Mountains
While I was travelling through the well-known Kerry Mountains
I met with captain Farrell and his money he was Counting
I crossed paths with Captain Farrell while he was counting his wealth
I first produced my pistol and I then produced my Rapier
Saying stand and deliver for you are my bould deciever
I showed him my gun and sword and demanded he give me his valuables, calling him a bold liar
Musha ring dumma do dumma da
Whack fol de daddy-o
Whack fol de daddy-o
There's whiskey in the jar
Refrain with Irish-sounding syllables and phrase to signal there's whiskey involved
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 decieve
Me
But the devil take the women for they never can be easy
I tallied his money and it was a nice sum of cash
I hid it in my pocket and took it to Jenny
She promised to never betray me, but women can't be trusted
They always make trouble in the end
I went up to my chamber all for to take a slumber
I dreamt of golden jewels and for sure it 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
I went to my bedroom to rest for awhile
I had a dream about getting rich, which is no surprise
But Jenny framed me by filling my weapons with water
Afterwards, she summoned Captain Farrell to kill me
It was early in the morning just before I rose to Travel
Up comes a band of footmen and likewise captain Farrell
I first produced my pistol for she'd stole away my Rapier
I couldn't shoot the water so a prisoner I was taken
Early the next morning before I left
Captain Farrell and his men arrived
I tried to defend myself, but Jenny had taken my sword
I couldn't shoot my water-filled gun, so I was captured
And if anyone can aid me it's my brother in the army
If I can find a station in Cork or in Killarney
And if he'll go with me we'll go roaming in Kilkenny
And I'm sure he'll treat me better than my only Sporting Jenny
If anyone can help me, it's my brother from the army
If I can find a safe haven in Cork or Killarney
If he agrees to come along, we'll explore Kilkenny
And surely, he'll treat me better than unfaithful Jenny
Contributed by Layla G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@GeriHew
@plasticpaddy2010 It's basically the tune The Irish Ramblers recorded in 1963. You'll find it on YouTube
@loughourna
Checked this out to see what Christy could do with this old chestnut. Good job.
@Bazza085085
I just saw the "Why hello there, I'm quite christy" Thats bloody hilarious lolololol
@sinjin480
@darrin42 Origional? The song is traditional.
@nigelbourke
mighty
@joekhan1308
bollix version
@plasticpaddy2010
I recognise the words but what the feck is that tune? Silly boy