Old no. 7 blends a mix of the old, with the new, and always something slightly obscure that you might not hear everyday. Picture Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Elvis Costello, The Stray Cats, and the Blues Brothers, drinking with Ozzy, Rancid, the Clash, Social Distortion, and the Talking Heads in your local bar, listening to Pink Floyd and the Dead on the jukebox. To a fly on the wall it would probably sound like old no. 7's mix of rock, rockabilly, blues, bluegrass, and folk, with a jam-punk flare.
This variously influenced power trio, consists of impeccable drummer Bri K. Upright and electric bassist Mike Noordzy, and singer-guitarist, Casey, (Catfish), Ritchings. They also have a pool of many musician friends that may come to play with them unexpectedly, ranging from harmonica, saxophone, trumpet, and fiddle players. You never know what they are going to play next or who is going to play it with them; but whatever it is, it will be done well.
Their library is extensively diverse, and the songs are played respectfully true to the originals, but not without some tasteful interpretation by Old no. 7. Nothing beats the real thing, but sometimes the real thing may not be available, this is when Old no. 7 does the job right.
Whiskey in the Jar
Old No.7 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
TWhiskey in the Jar
(Traditional)
Spoken:
All beside the river deep, the warriors there a vigil keep
When the sun does rise and the day does break
The warriors say "the west's awake"
As I was a rovin' over the Cork and Kerry mountains,
I met with Captain Farrell and his money he was countin'
I first produced my pistol, and then produced my rapier
Sayin' stand and deliver for I am your bold receiver
Well shirigim duraham da
Wack fall the daddy oh, wack fall the daddy oh
There's whiskey in the jar.
Well I counted out his money it made a pretty penny
I put it in my pocket and took it home to Jenny
She sighed and she swore that she never would deceive me
But the devil take the women for you know she tricked me easy
I went into me chamber all for to take a slumber
I dreamt of gold and jewels and for sure it was no wonder
For Jenny stole my pistols, she filled them up with water
Then she sent for Farrell to get ready for the slaughter
It was early in the morning, before I rose to travel
The guards all around me and likewise Captain Farrell
I first produced my pistol for she'd stole away my rapier
But I couldn't shoot with water so I prisoner I was taken
I don't know who can aid me, my brother's in the army
I don't know where he's stationed be it Cork or in Killarney
Together we'll go roving o'are the mountains of Killkenney
I know he'd treat me better than me darling' sporting Jenny
It was early in the morning at the barracks in Killarney
My brother took his leave, but he didn't tell the army
The horses they were bought, it's all over but the shouting
Now we wait for Farrell up on Killkenney Mountain
The last stanza of the traditional Irish song, "Whiskey in the Jar," tells the story of a man who roves through Cork and Kerry mountains where he meets Captain Farrell counting his money. In a bold move, the singer pulls out his pistol and rapier, demands that Captain Farrell stands and delivers. After taking the money, the singer takes it home to Jenny, who deceives him by filling his pistols with water. Jenny then summons Captain Farrell as preparation for the slaughter. The next morning, the singer is surrounded by guards and Captain Farrell. Although he produces his pistol, he cannot shoot with water, and he is taken as a prisoner. The singer believes that his brother in the army is the only one who can aid him. He is not sure if his brother is stationed in Cork or Killarney, but he decides to go roving over the mountains of Killkenney with his brother, hoping he will treat him better than Jenny.
The song, "Whiskey in the Jar," originated from an Irish song about highway robbery. The song has been performed by several artists, including Metallica, Thin Lizzy, and The Dubliners. It is a popular Irish drinking song that has been sung for generations, and Irish bands frequently perform it to this day. The song's lyrics have evolved over the years, with many musicians changing them to suit their style. However, the essential meaning remains the same, depicting a story of a highwayman that has been outlawed, robbed, and humiliated.
Line by Line Meaning
As I was a rovin' over the Cork and Kerry mountains
I was traveling over the Cork and Kerry mountains
I met with Captain Farrell and his money he was countin'
I encountered Captain Farrell who was counting his money
I first produced my pistol, and then produced my rapier
I drew my pistol and then my sword
Sayin' stand and deliver for I am your bold receiver
I demanded Captain Farrell's money because I was a bold thief
Well shirigim duraham da Wack fall the daddy oh, wack fall the daddy oh
A nonsensical interlude in the song
I put it in my pocket and took it home to Jenny
I took the money and brought it home to my girlfriend Jenny
But the devil take the women for you know she tricked me easy
Jenny deceived me, and women are to blame
Then she sent for Farrell to get ready for the slaughter
Jenny informed Captain Farrell, and they planned to attack me
But I couldn't shoot with water so I prisoner I was taken
I was unable to defend myself because my pistol was filled with water, and I was captured
I don't know who can aid me, my brother's in the army
I don't know who can help me, but my brother is in the military
Together we'll go roving o'are the mountains of Killkenney
My brother and I will wander around the mountains of Killkenney
I know he'd treat me better than me darling' sporting Jenny
I'm certain my brother would treat me better than my girlfriend Jenny
Now we wait for Farrell up on Killkenney Mountain
My brother and I are waiting on Killkenney Mountain for Captain Farrell
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind