The Rumjacks are a celtic, folk, punk band incorporating banjo, tin whistle and mandolin with roaring guitars and crashing drums into their sound.
Having spent the last few years peddling their blue collar brand of folkloric 'rotgut n' roll', The Rumjacks have swept aside tired comparisons to legends such as Billy Bragg and The Pogues – sure, the guys all have great respect and love for what came before them and are more than a little fond of traditional folk music, but they are forging their own sound, over rattling bottles and twisted tales, long nights up and down the East Coast of Australia and likely as not, sprawled on the floor when the sun comes up.
They released their debut album “Gangs Of New Holland” (Laughing Outlaw / Inertia) in September 2010 to critical acclaim – quotes below.
The band tours Australia relentlessly playing support to such bands as Gogol Bordello, Dropkick Murphys, UK Subs, The Aggrolites, GBH, The Snowdroppers and many more.
"...I’ve seen Dropkick Murphy’s live and I think I may just have had a better time with these scallywags from Sydney!" Fasterlouder.com.au
“Mixing the drunken raw storytelling of the Irish with the grit and honesty of street punk, they’re frontrunners in an ever-emerging scene...The Rumjacks are a band on the move” Drum Media
“...loudly touted, and not just by me as the future of Celtic punk.” Shite N Onions
By the people, for the people, with the people, The Rumjacks aren't just coming, they've been, gone and are coming back. Lay your tables and keep your lights on, they'll be home soon.
Plenty
The Rumjacks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
- 'plenty more where I'm from′,
I′m robbin' peter so Paul gets paid,
- ′plenty more where I'm from.′
I've strayed so far from the open road,
I′ve been places my shadow refused to go.
I went to school but they called me slow,
They couldn′t teach me what I needed to know,
- 'plenty more where I′m from',
My heart still breaks & my throat it swells,
Like a dirty lump o′ coal at the New Year bell's.
A song of hope to lift my spirits if you please,
Or a tale of old rebellion if you dare,
I hope I live to see the day I laugh at days like these,
And walk the walk of one without a care.
I′ll shift my share but I won't shift the blame,
- 'plenty more where I′m from′,
I respect my neighbour and expect the same,
- 'plenty more where I′m from',
I′ve strayed so far from the open road,
I've been places my shadow refused to go.
I don′t trust what I can't see,
- 'plenty more where I′m from′,
But I believe in something higher than me,
- 'plenty more where I′m from',
My heart still breaks & my throat it swells,
Like a dirty lump o′ coal at the New Year bell's.
The lyrics to The Rumjacks' song "Plenty" are a reflection on the mistakes and struggles that have defined the singer's life, but also a testament to his resilience and determination. The repeated refrain of "plenty more where I'm from" speaks to the idea that no matter how bad things may be, there is always the potential for things to get worse. However, instead of wallowing in despair, the singer chooses to take responsibility for his actions and to strive for a better future.
The first verse begins with the singer acknowledging the mistakes he's made and the consequences that have resulted from them. However, he also recognizes that there are always more mistakes to be made, and that this is simply a part of human nature. The second half of the verse speaks to the idea of robbing Peter to pay Paul, which is a metaphor for taking from one person to give to another. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the unequal distribution of wealth in society, and the struggles that many people face in trying to make ends meet.
The second verse delves deeper into the singer's personal struggles, including his difficulties in school and the emotional toll that his mistakes have taken on him. However, he also expresses a desire for hope and inspiration, and a longing for a day when he can look back at his struggles and laugh at them. The final verse speaks to the singer's values of responsibility, respect, and spirituality, and his belief that there is something greater than himself guiding his life.
Overall, the lyrics to "Plenty" are a powerful and moving reflection on the human experience, and the ways in which we must grapple with our own flaws and struggles in order to build a better future for ourselves and others.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'm livin' with the mistakes I've made,
I acknowledge my failures and accept the consequences that come with them.
'plenty more where I'm from',
Mistakes are common and frequent where I'm from, and I am not unique in that regard.
I'm robbin' peter so Paul gets paid,
I am taking from one source to provide for another.
I've strayed so far from the open road,
I've ventured off the path that society views as acceptable or normal.
I've been places my shadow refused to go.
I've been in situations where my conscience doesn't want to associate itself with.
I went to school but they called me slow,
I attended school but was judged for not being as quick or intelligent as my peers.
They couldn't teach me what I needed to know,
The conventional education system couldn't provide me with the knowledge and skills that would be most effective for me.
My heart still breaks & my throat it swells,
I still feel intense emotions of pain and despair that are hard to express or communicate.
Like a dirty lump o' coal at the New Year bell's.
My emotions feel heavy and oppressive, like a lump of coal on a celebratory occasion.
A song of hope to lift my spirits if you please,
If you could, please play a song that inspires and uplifts me.
Or a tale of old rebellion if you dare,
Alternatively, if you're willing, share a story of a past act of defiance and resistance.
I hope I live to see the day I laugh at days like these,
I wish to one day look back at these difficult times and find humor and joy in them.
And walk the walk of one without a care.
I aspire to live a life free of worry and anxiety, embodying a sense of carefreeness.
I'll shift my share but I won't shift the blame,
I will take responsibility for my actions and make amends, but I won't place the blame on others.
I respect my neighbour and expect the same,
I treat others with respect and kindness, and I hope to be treated the same way in return.
I don't trust what I can't see,
I am skeptical of things that are not readily apparent or tangible.
But I believe in something higher than me,
Despite my skepticism, I hold my faith in a greater power or force than myself.
My heart still breaks & my throat it swells,
Despite my beliefs and values, I still experience heartache and emotional turmoil.
Like a dirty lump o' coal at the New Year bell's.
These emotions are heavy and oppressive, like a lump of coal on a celebratory occasion.
Writer(s): Francis Mclaughlin
Contributed by Elijah V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Michael Allison
Very addictive tunes, also good with a beverage or two ;) Best music I`ve heard in the last twenty years, keep it up guys already waiting for the next album
SouthBayRick
I'll be seeing you guys at The Doll Hut next Tuesday. 😎 Thank you for all the great music and I hope you have a wonderful time in California. I never expected to like this type of music. Early last summer, I first found The Irish Pub video... Then I thought,...WTF is this?? I couldn't stop watching it. You have opened my eyes and ears to a whole new
experience. The lyrics to this song (Plenty) seem very personal to me. I went to 4 different schools in the 7th grade. I'll never forget all the turmoil back then. I'm wishing you guys the "BEST TOUR EVER"!
Nicholas Burnam
Badass band!! I love 'em!!
ElTacoish
Can't wait to get this album.
The Rumjacks
I remember this day, it was as hot as hell, and fun as FUCK!
jordan boyd
I haven't Bought any albums from any artist but my favorite band for literally 6 years.. I WILL BUY ALL OF YOUR MUSIC
Pure Metal Banzai
outstanding. must buy!! Thanks for the awesome and REAL music.
Clirim Limani
Amazing.. Love it <3 Keep it going guys
S Harris
Bloody brilliant!
BaileyGAYming
You cannae help but dance to this! Epic song from an epic band!!