1) Jolly Rogers are an RAC band from Spain.

2) Jolly Rogers are a Ce… Read Full Bio ↴1) Jolly Rogers are an RAC band from Spain.

2) Jolly Rogers are a Celtic punk band from Zagreb, Croatia. A pirate-themed Renaissance folk group who perform at Renaissance fairs in the Midwest United States, are called The Jolly Rogers.

Jolly Rogers were formed in 2007, heavily influenced by bands like Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys. They started out as a cover band, only to realize that their own songs are not bad at all. With a bit of luck and support from their friends, they turned from "the band nobody has ever heard of" to a respectable Celtic punk band, becoming a part of every major Irish / Celtic themed celebration or event.

Hole in the Side
Jolly Rogers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

This lad once had a problem
He came and sat by me
I was drinkin in me local Bar
Thinkin of the sea
He popped his tankard on a stool
And showed me its full brim
The beer did disappear
With a sloopy yellow grin

I've not got a drinking problem
There's a problem with my glass
I'll say its broke before I choke
And fall upon me ass
So have a think and realise
That you are just the same
Or have a drink and be surprised
That you forgot me name

So as you see, he said to me
Me tankards got a hole
Every time I fill it up
The beer will end up gone
So do this lad a favor
Spare a penny for some grog
Tomorrow'll be sick
With this party trick
And stuck upon the bog

I've not got a drinking problem
There's a problem with my glass
I'll say its broke before I choke
And fall upon me ass
So have a think and realise
That you are just the same
Or have a drink and be surprised
That you forgot me name

About a week
It took to steep
Around about my head
Couldn't put me finger on it
What that lad had said
So as I sat upon the bar
To think and drink bout it
I raise me tankard have a sip
There's was nothing but a drip

I've not got a drinking problem
There's a problem with my glass
I'll say its broke before I choke
And fall upon me ass
So have a think and realise
That you are just the same
Or have a drink and be surprised
That you forgot me name

I've not got a drinking problem
There's a problem with my glass
I'll say its broke before I choke
And fall upon me ass
So have a think and realise
That you are just the same
Or have a drink and be surprised
That you forgot me name

I've not got a drinking problem
There's a problem with my glass
I'll say its broke before I choke
And fall upon me ass
So have a think and realise
That you are just the same

Or have a drink and be surprised
That you forgot me name

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Jolly Rogers's song "Hole in the Side" tell the story of a man who claims he doesn't have a drinking problem but rather a problem with his glass, which has a hole in it. The singer of the song recounts a humorous encounter with this man who sat next to him at the bar, complaining about his constantly empty tankard due to the mysterious hole. Despite his denial of having a drinking problem, it is clear that the man relies heavily on alcohol to cope with life's struggles, symbolized by the leaking glass.

The man's insistence that the issue lies with his glass rather than his alcohol consumption reflects a common tendency to deflect responsibility and avoid facing deeper issues. By drawing a parallel between the man's predicament and the listener's own habits, the song challenges us to reflect on our own coping mechanisms and potential denial of personal struggles. The jolly and lighthearted tone of the lyrics serves as a reminder that humor can be a powerful tool for addressing difficult topics such as addiction.

As the singer reflects on the man's peculiar situation over the course of a week, he realizes the deeper meaning behind the man's words. The realization that the tankard with a hole symbolizes a futile attempt to find solace in alcohol strikes a chord with the singer, prompting him to examine his own relationship with drinking. The gradual unraveling of the symbolism in the lyrics underscores the theme of self-awareness and introspection as essential steps towards personal growth and overcoming challenges.

In conclusion, "Hole in the Side" by Jolly Rogers serves as a playful yet thought-provoking commentary on addiction, denial, and self-discovery. Through the clever use of allegory and humor, the song encourages listeners to confront their own demons and acknowledge the underlying issues that may be masked by external distractions. Ultimately, it suggests that true healing and self-awareness come from facing the "hole in the glass" head-on rather than seeking temporary relief in empty vessels.

Line by Line Meaning

This lad once had a problem
A man came to me with an issue

He came and sat by me
He approached me and took a seat beside me

I was drinkin in me local Bar
I was at the bar enjoying a drink

Thinkin of the sea
Thinking about the ocean

He popped his tankard on a stool
He placed his mug on a stool

And showed me its full brim
And displayed its brim filled with liquid

The beer did disappear
The beer vanished

With a sloopy yellow grin
Leaving a sloppy, yellow grin

So as you see, he said to me
So as he explained to me

Me tankards got a hole
My mug has a hole

Every time I fill it up
Whenever I fill it with liquid