The band put out a series of EPs and was signed by Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong's label Hellcat Records. In 1998, the Dropkick Murphys released their first full-length album, Do Or Die. Lead singer Mike McColgan, who left the band later that year, was replaced by The Bruisers lead singer Al Barr. In 1999, they released their followup album, The Gang's All Here. In 2001, they released their third album, Sing Loud, Sing Proud. The album showcased the groupโs developing sound and included collaborations with The Pogues' frontman Shane MacGowan and Cock Sparrer's Colin McFaull. It also marked a significant lineup change for the band. Original guitarist Rick Barton was replaced by former The Ducky Boys' guitarists James Lynch and Marc Orrell; instruments were added and played by new members Ryan Foltz and Spicy McHaggis.
The Dropkick Murphys' next album, Blackout, was released in 2003. The new album included the radio hit "Walk Away," as well as the songs "Fields of Athenry" and "The Dirty Glass." The latter features female vocals by Stephanie Dougherty (Deadly Sins). Around the same time, the band released a re-working of the Boston Red Sox anthem "Tessie," which then became the official song of the team's 2004 World Series run. "Tessie" was also used throughout the major motion picture Fever Pitch and was included on the EA Sports MVP Baseball 2005 soundtrack. In 2005, the Dropkick Murphys released Singles Collection Volume 2, featuring covers, B-sides, and other material that didn't make it onto previous albums, and the band contributed a recording of "We Got the Power" to Rock Against Bush, Volume 2.
The Dropkick Murphys' fifth studio album, The Warrior's Code, was released on June 21, 2005. It features the singles "Sunshine Highway," "The Walking Dead," "The Warrior's Code," as well as the bonus track "Tessie." It also includes a song that was inspired by a Woody Guthrie poem, which the group named "I'm Shipping Up to Boston." The song was featured in Martin Scorsese's 2006 film The Departed. Scorsese mentioned the band in an interview after winning his first Oscar.
The Dropkick Murphys released their sixth studio album, The Meanest of Times, on September 18, 2007. It was their first release not on the Hellcat Records label but instead on the label Born & Bred.
In early 2008, Marc Orrell left the band. Thereupon Tim Brennan, who had been playing mandolin, accordion, banjo, tin whistle, and guitar for the band since 2004, replaced Orrell on lead guitar. Tim's previous musical duties were taken over by Jeff DaRosa, former member of The Vigilante and Pinkerton Thugs.
In September of 2022, This Machine Still Kills Fascists was released. It's an acoustic album with unused words and lyrics written by Woody Guthrie, selected and given to the band to use by Guthrie's daughter Nora. It did not feature Al Barr, who was on hiatus for family matters.
The band will release their twelfth album, Okemah Rising, on May 12, 2023. The album was recorded during the same sessions for This Machine Still Kills Facists and like that album will feature songs using the unused lyrics by Woody Guthrie. The album was preceded by the singles "I Know How it Feels" on March 1, 2023, and "Gotta Get to Peekskill" (featuring Violent Femmes) on March 30, 2023.
Studio albums
Do or Die (1998)
The Gang's All Here (1999)
Sing Loud, Sing Proud! (2001)
Blackout (2003)
The Warrior's Code (2005)
The Meanest of Times (2007)
Going Out in Style (2011)
Signed and Sealed in Blood (2013)
11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory (2017)
Turn Up That Dial (2021)
This Machine Still Kills Fascists (2022)
Okemah Rising (2023)
The Season's Upon Us
Dropkick Murphys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Brandy and eggnog, there's plenty of cheer
There's lights on the trees and there's wreaths to be hung
There's mischief and mayhem and songs to be sung
There's bells and there's holly, the kids are gung-ho
True love finds a kiss beneath fresh mistletoe
Some families are messed up while others are fine
My sisters are wack jobs, I wish I had none
Their husbands are losers and so are their sons
My nephew's a horrible wise little twit
He once gave me a nice gift wrapped box full of shit
He likes to pelt carolers with icy snowballs
I'd like to take him out back and deck more than the halls
With family like this I would have to confess
I'd be better off lonely, distraught and depressed
The season's upon us, it's that time of year
Brandy and eggnog, there's plenty of cheer
There's lights on the trees and there's wreaths to be hung
There's mischief and mayhem and songs to be sung
They call this Christmas where I'm from
My mom likes to cook, push our buttons and prod
My brother just brought home another big broad
The eyes rollin' whispers come loud from the kitchen
I'd come home more often if they'd only quit bitchin'
Dad on the other hand's a selfish old sod
Drinks whiskey alone with my miserable dog
Who won't run or fetch sure he couldn't care less
He defiled my teddy bear and left me the mess
The season's upon us, it's that time of year
Brandy and eggnog, there's plenty of cheer
There's lights on the trees and there's wreaths to be hung
There's mischief and mayhem and songs to be sung
They call this Christmas where I'm from
The table's set, we raise a toast
The Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost
I'm so glad this day only comes once a year
You can keep your opinions, your presents, your 'Happy New Year'
They call this Christmas where I'm from
They call this Christmas where I'm from
The song "The Season's Upon Us" by Dropkick Murphys is a humorous take on the holiday season and the different experiences families have during this special time. The chorus sets the festive mood with mentions of eggnog, lights, wreaths, and songs. However, the verses reveal the quirky and dysfunctional aspects of the singer's own family. There are wacky sisters, loser nephews, and a miserable dog. The singer seems to be overwhelmed by the chaos and mayhem that the holiday season can bring and wishes he could opt-out altogether. The song ends with the family gathered around the table, raising a toast, and giving thanks for getting through yet another Christmas.
This song is a satirical commentary on the idealized version of the holidays that is often portrayed in popular culture. It highlights the reality that many families have a mix of merriment and madness during this time. The humorous lyrics and upbeat instrumentation give the song a light-hearted feel, allowing listeners to laugh along with the absurdity of it all.
Line by Line Meaning
The season's upon us, it's that time of year
The holidays are here
Brandy and eggnog, there's plenty of cheer
We'll be drinking and celebrating
There's lights on the trees and there's wreaths to be hung
Decorations are being put up
There's mischief and mayhem and songs to be sung
We'll be causing trouble and singing songs
There's bells and there's holly, the kids are gung-ho
The children are excited about the holidays
True love finds a kiss beneath fresh mistletoe
People will be sharing affection under the mistletoe
Some families are messed up while others are fine
Families have different levels of dysfunction
If you think yours is crazy, well you should see mine
If you think your family is wild, you haven't met mine
My sisters are wack jobs, I wish I had none
My sisters are insane, I'd rather not have any sisters
Their husbands are losers and so are their sons
Their spouses and children are also undesirable
My nephew's a horrible wise little twit
My nephew is a disrespectful brat
He once gave me a nice gift wrapped box full of shit
He gave me a horrible gift as a joke
He likes to pelt carolers with icy snowballs
My nephew throws snowballs at carolers
I'd like to take him out back and deck more than the halls
I would like to fight with him more than just decorating
With family like this I would have to confess
My family is so crazy that I have to admit
I'd be better off lonely, distraught and depressed
I'd rather be miserable by myself than with my family
The table's set, we raise a toast
We gather to eat and give a toast
The Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost
Religious references are made
I'm so glad this day only comes once a year
I'm relieved that the holiday only happens once per year
You can keep your opinions, your presents, your 'Happy New Year'
I don't care about your opinions or gifts, and don't wish me a good new year
They call this Christmas where I'm from
This is how we celebrate Christmas in this area
My mom likes to cook, push our buttons and prod
My mom enjoys cooking and being annoying
My brother just brought home another big broad
My brother is dating another overweight woman
The eyes rollin' whispers come loud from the kitchen
My family gossips about my brother's new girlfriend
I'd come home more often if they'd only quit bitchin'
I would visit more if they stopped complaining
Lyrics ยฉ SPIRIT TWO SMA
Written by: Alexander Barr, James P Lynch, Jeff Darosa, Kenneth W Casey, Mathew E Kelly, Timothy J Brennan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ramsey Bolton
Foughtwolf;
Your post made me flashback to my childhood, where we would all gather at grandmas. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day because, we always did it that way.
People came in shifts. It was so crowded you had to plan your movements.
There was a kids table, and you knew you arrived when you got into the dinning room.
Card table with all the booze on it.
The kids trying to sneak a swig now and then.
All fish on Eve, and pasta and roast beef on the day.
Those were the best Christmasโ of my life. Most are gone.
We really donโt appreciate those times fully until they are past.
Thank you for your post.
Rob S.
The season's upon us, it's that time of year
Brandy and eggnog, there's plenty of cheer
There's lights on the trees
And there's wreaths to be hung
There's mischief and mayhem
And songs to be sung
There's bells and there's holly, the kids are gung-ho
True love finds a kiss beneath fresh mistletoe
Some families are messed up while others are fine
If you think yours is crazy
Well you should see mine
My sisters are whack-jobs, I wish I had none
Their husbands are losers and so are their sons
My nephew's a horrible, wise little twit
He once gave me a nice gift wrapped box full of shit
He likes to pelt carolers with icy snow balls
I'd like to take him out back
And deck more than the halls
With family like this, I would have to confess
I'd be better off lonely, distraught and depressed
The season's upon us, it's that time of year
Brandy and eggnog, there's plenty of cheer
There's lights on the trees
And there's wreaths to be hung
There's mischief and mayhem and songs to be sung
They call this Christmas where I'm from
My mom likes to cook, push our buttons and prod
My brother just brought home another big broad
The eyes roll and whispers come loud
From the kitchen I'd come home more often
If they'd only quit bitching
Dad, on the other hand's a selfish old sod
Drinks whiskey alone with my miserable dog
Who won't run or fetch, yeah, he couldn't care less
He defiled my teddy bear and left me the mess
The season's upon us, it's that time of year
Brandy and eggnog, there's plenty of cheer
There's lights on the trees
And there's wreaths to be hung
There's mischief and mayhem and songs to be sung
They call this Christmas where I'm from
The table's set, we raise a toast
The Father, Son and the Holy Ghost
I'm so glad this day only comes once a year
You can keep your opinions, your presents, your โHappy New Yearโ
They call this Christmas where I'm from
They call this Christmas where I'm from
DGDrums
Its the 1st december 2022 and this song is played on repeat the whole day. It has been a tradition to me since it has been released.
Every year I think of the years, I heard it ago.
Every year I remember, what me and my family did those years.
And every year I remember my childhood-christmas with a huge family of my parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins.
Now we're all grown up, have kids of our own, some relatives are gone...
But man, I always loved christmas as a kid with mum, dad and my siblings on holy night and then on 25/26 with the the whole family at grandma's house... About 45 people in a small christmas wonderland, split into the kids table with sweets and the adult tables with cigarettes, beer, liquor and all that good stuff...
Those were great times but now, our christmas traditions of my own little family are also wonderful... And i do my best to pass on this special feeling and this great music to the next generation. One day I tell my kids that there are plenty of awesome and wonderfull christmas songs, but this one here is the best of all, because it's the only realistic one - you HATE christmas with your big ass family but on the other hand it is the most epic thing that happens to you in the whole year. Enjoy it as long as you can.
And for those, who read this long text:
I wish you all the best and have a very merry christmas!
Grettings from Germany!
Ralle78 Lรผddemann
Paroles :
The season's upon us, it's that time of year
Brandy and eggnog, there's plenty of cheer
There's lights on the trees and there's wreaths to be hung
There's mischief and mayhem and songs to be sung
There's bells and there's holly, the kids are gung-ho
True loves finds a kiss beneath fresh mistletoe
Some families are messed up while others are fine
If you think yours is crazy, well you should see mine
My sisters are wackjobs, I wish I had none
Their husbands are losers and so are their sons
My nephew's a horrible wise little twit
He once gave me a nice gift wrapped box full of shit
He likes to pelt carolers with icy snowballs
I'd like to take him out back and deck more than the halls
With family like this I would have to confess
I'd be better off lonely, distraught and depressed
The season's upon us, it's that time of year
Brandy and eggnog, there's plenty of cheer
There's lights on the trees and there's wreaths to be hung
There's mischief and mayhem and songs to be sung
They call this Christmas where I'm from
My mom likes to cook, push our buttons and prod
My brother just brought home another big broad
The eyes rollin' whispers come love from the kitchen
I'd come home more often if they'd only quit bitchin'
Dad on the other hand's a selfish old sod
Drinks whiskey alone with my miserable dog
Who won't run off fetch sure he couldn't care less
He defiled my teddy bear and left me the mess
The season's upon us, it's that time of year
Brandy and eggnog, there's plenty of cheer
There's lights on the trees and there's wreaths to be hung
There's mischief and mayhem and songs to be sung
They call this Christmas where I'm from
The table's set, we raise a toast, the father, son, and the Holy Ghost
I'm so glad this day only comes once a year
You can keep your opinions, your presents, your happy new year
They call this Christmas where I'm from
They call this Christmas where I'm from
foughtwolf
I listen to this song every year and think about my family Christmas get togethers. My fathers parents split and both remarried, my mothers mother had thirteen sisters and six brothers. Her house looked like the Griswold house on steroids for the last two weeks of December. Sixteen bickering aunts and uncles, tons of kids screaming and shouting, a few pets that couldnt be left at home but damnwell cant stand each other. It was a madhouse and drove us all nuts but we did it because it was tradition.
And I am here to tell you, remember these years. Remember when your third aunt burned the hell out of her casserole but everyone had to pretend to stomach it. Remember the youngest cousin accidentally falling and crushing someone elses gift taking presents to people. Remember your granddad going back fifty years to tell a half-remembered Christmas story of his childhood. They havent felt normal in the last several and I dont mean Covid, I have a lot less Aunts and Uncles and no grandfathers left. The kids are all grown and starting families and live too far away to attend. I know these may make you wanna pull your hair out now, but when everyones dead, gone or unavailable, you'll miss it.
I miss it. I miss them.
David Goldman
Great post!
Ramsey Bolton
Foughtwolf;
Your post made me flashback to my childhood, where we would all gather at grandmas. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day because, we always did it that way.
People came in shifts. It was so crowded you had to plan your movements.
There was a kids table, and you knew you arrived when you got into the dinning room.
Card table with all the booze on it.
The kids trying to sneak a swig now and then.
All fish on Eve, and pasta and roast beef on the day.
Those were the best Christmasโ of my life. Most are gone.
We really donโt appreciate those times fully until they are past.
Thank you for your post.
Boris Waldmeier
absolutely made my day!
P. S.
You can write, dude!
Photo Bomb
Great sentiment. Every year as I get older I notice less and less people around at Christmas compared to my childhood. I'm only 28 but time creeps on all of us. The sooner you realise the better because you can appreciate the time more. Every Christmas I now set up a video camera in the main room and let it run for an hour or two so I can watch them in the twilight of my life. I have done this the past three years. It helps. Stay safe mate.
Michael Riley
As an Irish Catholic, I get more emotional listening to this than I think its supposed to be.
Oda Nobunaga
Nah, man. You get just as emotional as you should.
Vale The Wolf
๐
Jack Doyle
What part of Ireland are you from?