Whiskey In The Jar
Whiskey in the Jar is a famous Irish traditional song about an Irish highwayman (usually in the Kerry mountains), who is betrayed by his wife or lover. It is one of the most widely performed traditional Irish songs. The folk of seventeenth century Britain liked and admired their local highwaymen; and in Ireland, or Scotland, where the gentlemen of the roads robbed English landlords, they were regarded as national patriots. Such feelings inspired this ballad.
Whiskey In The Jar was recorded by Paddy and Bill on the Live At The Radisson CD.
Lyrics
As I was going over the far Kilkerry mountain
I met with captain Farrell and his money he was counting
I first produced my pistol, and the produced my rapier
Said stand and deliver, for I am a bold deceiver
Chorus:
Musha ring dumma do damma da
Whack for the laddie-o
Whack for the laddie-o
There's whiskey in the jar
I counted out his money, and it made a pretty penny
I put it in my pocket and I brought it home to Jenny
She sighed and she swore that she never would deceive me
But the devil take the women, for they never can be easy
Chorus
I went into my chamber, for to take a slumber
I dreamt of gold and jewels and for sure it was no wonder
But Jenny took my charges and she filled them up with water
And send for captain Farrel to be ready for the slaughter
Chorus
It was early in the morning, before I rose to travel
The guards were all around me and likewise captain Farrel
I first produced my pistol, for she stole away my rapier
But I couldn't shoot the water so a prisoner I was taken
Chorus
If anyone can aid me, it's my brother in the army
If I can find his station in Cork or in Killarney
And if he'll come and save me, we'll go roving near Kilkenny
And I swear he'll treat me better than me darling sporting Jenny
Chorus
Now some men take delight in the drinking and the roving
But others take delight in the gambling and the smoking
But I take delight in the juice of the barley
And courting pretty Jenny in the morning bright and early
Chorus
Traditional