There’s nought better than a rollicking traditional Irish pub song, there’s nought better Irish pub song than Whiskey in the Jar, and there’s nought sings it better than the Dubliners. You can keep your versions by Metallica, Smokie and Thin Lizzy.
The story in the lyrics is of a highwayman (ie bushranger) in the Cork and Kerry mountains who is betrayed by either his wife or his lover.
After robbing Captain Farrell, a military or government man (“for he were a bold deceiver”), the narrator takes his booty home to his wife or sweetheart, Jenny. Whilst he is asleep, Jenny fills his pistols with water and betrays him to Captain Farrell. He is taken prisoner and presumably Jenny makes off with the money. The song ends on a slightly positive note with the narrator hoping that his brother in the army will assist him.
Sit back with your coffee for a few moments before starting the day's work, relax and let the music of Whiskey in the Jar set your foot tapping. Click on the following links:
Dubliners, audio only: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eOIU9ekSMk
Dubliners, audio only: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eOIU9ekSMk
(clearer audio and lyrics)
Dubliners, live performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46EXY4oP1Do
(live performance in later years, skips one verse and reverses the last two))
