Whiskey In The Jar
Metallica
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As I was goin' over
The Cork and Kerry Mountains
I saw Captain Farrell
And his money, he was countin'
I first produced my pistol
And then produced my rapier
I said, "Stand and deliver or the devil he may take ya"

I took all of his money
And it was a pretty penny
I took all of his money,
Yeah, and I brought it home to Molly
She swore that she loved me,
No, never would she leave me
But the devil take that woman,
Yeah, for you know she tricked me easy

Musha rain dum a doo, dum a da
Whack for my daddy, oh
Whack for my daddy, oh
There's whiskey in the jar, oh

Being drunk and weary
I went to Molly's chamber
Takin' Molly with me
But I never knew the danger
For about six or maybe seven,
Yeah, in walked Captain Farrell
I jumped up, fired my pistols
And I shot him with both barrels

Yeah, musha rain dum a doo, dum a da, ha, yeah
Whack for my daddy, oh
Whack for my daddy, oh
There's whiskey in the jar, oh

Yeah, whiskey, yo, whiskey
Oh, oh, yeah
Oh, oh, yeah

Now some men like a fishin'
But some men like the fowlin'
Some men like to hear,
To hear the cannonball 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 rain dum a doo, dum a da, heh, heh
Whack for my daddy, oh
Whack for my daddy, oh
There's whiskey in the jar, oh, yeah
Whiskey in the jar, oh

Musha rain dum a doo, dum a da
Musha rain dum a doo, dum a da, hey
Musha rain dum a doo, dum a da
Musha rain dum a doo, dum a da, yeah

Overall Meaning

The song "Whiskey In The Jar" follows a narrator who is on a journey to the Cork and Kerry Mountains. While on this journey, the singer stumbles upon Captain Farrell who he robs and kills with his pistol and rapier. Upon arriving home, his lover Molly swears she will never leave him but instead tricks him and allows for his capture by Captain Farrell. The singer then finds himself in prison with a ball and chain. The song, although violent, serves as a celebration of Irish heritage and folklore by incorporating themes of robbery, love, and whiskey.

The song's origins can be traced back to the late 17th century as an Irish folk song that has since been adapted and covered by various artists. One rendition of the song that Metallica covered was initiated by an Irish group called The Dubliners. Interestingly, although the song is rooted in Irish folklore and traditions, the various adaptations have transformed the lyrics to reflect different regions around the world, from Ireland to Scotland to America. The song's origins and varied history have allowed it to transcend time and place and remain an iconic classic.

Line by Line Meaning

As I was goin' over The Cork and Kerry Mountains
I was moving across the Cork and Kerry Mountains.

I saw Captain Farrell And his money, he was countin'
I saw Captain Farrell counting his money.

I first produced my pistol And then produced my rapier I said, "Stand and deliver or the devil he may take ya"
I showed my pistol and then my sword and demanded Farrell to surrender failing which, he would face consequences.

I took all of his money And it was a pretty penny I took all of his money, Yeah, and I brought it home to Molly
I robbed all of Farrell's money, brought it home to Molly.

She swore that she loved me, No, never would she leave me But the devil take that woman, Yeah, for you know she tricked me easy
Molly swore her love and loyalty to me, but she betrayed me easily.

Whack for my daddy, oh Whack for my daddy, oh There's whiskey in the jar, oh
Drums accompany me as I sing for my father while whiskey awaits.

Being drunk and weary I went to Molly's chamber Takin' Molly with me But,I never knew the danger
Drunk and tired, I went to Molly's room with her but was unaware of the lurking danger.

For about six or maybe seven, Yeah, in walked Captain Farrell I jumped up, fired my pistols And I shot him with both barrels
After a brief moment, Captain Farrell arrived, and I shot him with both guns.

There's whiskey in the jar, oh, yeah Whiskey in the jar, oh
Whiskey is present, and I have it with me.

Now some men like a fishin' But some men like the fowlin' Some men like to hear, To hear the cannonball roarin'
Different men enjoy various things like fishing or shooting; I, however, enjoy sleeping beside Molly.

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
I prefer sleeping with Molly, but instead, I find myself in prison with a ball and chain.

Musha rain dum a doo, dum a da, hey Musha rain dum a doo, dum a da Musha rain dum a doo, dum a da Musha rain dum a doo, dum a da, yeah
Lyrics of the song that express my feelings with a melody accompanying it.

Contributed by Parker F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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