Whiskey in the Jar
Original TV Soundtrack Lyrics
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I saw Captain Farrell and his money he was countin'.
I first produced my pistol and then produced my rapier.
I said stand o'er and deliver or the devil he may take ya.
Musha ring dumb a do dumb a da.
Whack for my daddy-o,
Whack for my daddy-o.
I took all of his money and it was a pretty penny.
I took all of his money and I brought it home to Molly.
She swore that she'd love me, never would she leave me.
But the devil take that woman for you know she tricked me easy.
Musha ring dumb a do dumb a da.
Whack for my daddy-o,
Whack for my daddy-o.
There's whiskey in the jar-o.
Being drunk and weary I went to Molly's chamber.
Takin' my money with me and I never knew the danger.
For about six or maybe seven in walked Captain Farrell.
I jumped up, fired off my pistols and I shot him with both barrels.
Musha ring dumb a do dumb a da.
Whack for my daddy-o,
Whack for my daddy-o.
There's whiskey in the jar-o.
Now some men like the fishin' and some men like the fowlin',
And some men like ta hear a cannon ball a roarin'.
Me? I like sleepin' specially in my Molly's chamber.
But here I am in prison, here I am with a ball and chain, yeah.
Musha ring dumb a do dumb a da.
Whack for my daddy-o,
Whack for my daddy-o.
There's whiskey in the jar-o.
And I got drunk on whiskey-o
And I love, I love, I love, I love, I love, I love my Molly-o.
The lyrics of Whiskey in the Jar recount the story of a highwayman (or robber) who robs Captain Farrell of his money after holding him at gunpoint. However, the highwayman’s lover Molly betrays him, leaving him trapped in a precarious situation when Captain Farrel and his men come to get him. The song weaves a compelling narrative of love, betrayal, and revenge, with the singer eventually finding himself imprisoned and sentenced to a ball and chain. The tune is a classic example of Irish folk music and tells a timeless story that continues to resonate with people across the globe.
The chorus of the song, "Musha ring dumb a do dumb a da. Whack for my daddy-o, Whack for my daddy-o. There's whiskey in the jar-o," is a traditional Irish refrain that is believed to have originated in Cork in the 19th century. The song has seen numerous iterations over the years, with The Dubliners, Metallica, Thin Lizzy, and Grateful Dead all putting their spin on it. Interestingly, Metallica's version went on to win a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance in 2000.
Line by Line Meaning
As I was goin' over the Cork and Kerry mountains.
While traveling over the mountains in Cork and Kerry, I saw Captain Farrell counting his money.
I saw Captain Farrell and his money he was countin'.
Captain Farrell was counting his money and I witnessed it.
I first produced my pistol and then produced my rapier.
I brought out my gun and then my sword.
I said stand o'er and deliver or the devil he may take ya.
I demanded Captain Farrell hand over his money, or face the consequences.
Musha ring dumb a do dumb a da.
Nonsensical refrain used in the song.
Whack for my daddy-o,
Another nonsensical refrain used in the song.
I took all of his money and it was a pretty penny.
I took all of Captain Farrell's money and it was a lot.
I took all of his money and I brought it home to Molly.
I took the money and brought it back to my lover, Molly.
She swore that she'd love me, never would she leave me.
Molly promised her undying love and loyalty.
But the devil take that woman for you know she tricked me easy.
Molly betrayed me and tricked me easily.
Being drunk and weary I went to Molly's chamber.
I went to Molly's room while drunk and tired.
Takin' my money with me and I never knew the danger.
I brought my money with me, unaware of the danger.
For about six or maybe seven in walked Captain Farrell.
Captain Farrell suddenly appeared in the room.
I jumped up, fired off my pistols and I shot him with both barrels.
In a panic, I shot Captain Farrell with both of my guns.
Now some men like the fishin' and some men like the fowlin',
Some men prefer fishing while others prefer hunting.
And some men like ta hear a cannon ball a roarin'.
Some men enjoy hearing the sound of cannons firing.
Me? I like sleepin' specially in my Molly's chamber.
I prefer sleeping, especially in Molly's room.
But here I am in prison, here I am with a ball and chain, yeah.
I am now in prison, restrained by a ball and chain.
And I got drunk on whiskey-o
I drank too much whiskey.
And I love, I love, I love, I love, I love, I love my Molly-o.
I love my lover, Molly.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN MICHAEL DOWNEY, ERIC BELL, PHILIP PARRIS LYNOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@garymorgan6549
When Phil was asked how he felt about being Black and Irish he said "Like a pint of Guinness". My Man. God Rest your sweet soul Phil. Next time ☺ 💔💗❤
@MrSmith-vz1ew
Wow!!...that may just be the best quote ive ever heard in my life😮😅🤘
@deadlockmun
I LOVE THAT!!! And I love Guinness!!!
@outsidethebox8950
Gary… so good
@leonalk9255
Awesome reply from an awesome guy.
@MrZootalores
Phil was a Black Irishman.what a fight to get to the stage! he's incredible,makes my Irish heart so proud!
@edwardclark4043
I’m 70 years young now.I’ll tell you what man these where the boys back in the day,I’m still fit .still rocking my bike.still blasting man.still strong .
@patkelly8309
@Edward Clark Keep Rocking.
@rosco5765
Keep on keeping on geezer.
@smidgen_13
rockin' and rollin, ' movin' and groovin' keeps you young at heart!