Whiskey In The Jar (1)

Trad

As I was going over the far famed Kerry Mountains
I met with captain Farrell and his money he was counting
I first produced my pistol and I then produced my rapier
Saying stand and deliver for you are my bould deciever

Musha ring dumma do dumma da
Whack fol de daddy-o
Whack fol de daddy-o
There’s whiskey in the jar

I counted out his money and it made a pretty penny
I put it in me pocket and I took it home to Jenny
She sighed and she swore that she never would decieve me
But the devil take the women for they never can be easy

Musha ring dumma do dumma da
Whack fol de daddy-o
Whack fol de daddy-o
There’s whiskey in the jar

I went up to my chamber all for to take a slumber
I dreamt of golden jewels and for sure it was no wonder
But Jenny drew me charges and she filled them up with water
Then sent for captain Farrell to be ready for the slaughter

Musha ring dumma do dumma da
Whack fol de daddy-o
Whack fol de daddy-o
There’s whiskey in the jar

It was early in the morning just before I rose to travel
Up comes a band of footmen and likewise captain Farrell
I first produced my pistol for she’d stole away my rapier
I couldn’t shoot the water so a prisoner I was taken

Musha ring dumma do dumma da
Whack fol de daddy-o
Whack fol de daddy-o
There’s whiskey in the jar

There’s some take delight in the carriages a-rollin’
And others take delight in the hurlin’ and the bowlin’
But I take delight in the juice of the barley
And courtin’ pretty fair maids in the morning bright and early

Musha ring dumma do dumma da
Whack fol de daddy-o
Whack fol de daddy-o
There’s whiskey in the jar

And if anyone can aid me it’s my brother in the army
If I can find a station in Cork or in Killarney
And if he’ll go with me we’ll go roaming in Kilkenny
And I’m sure he’ll treat me better than my only sporting Jenny

Musha ring dumma do dumma da
Whack fol de daddy-o
Whack fol de daddy-o
There’s whiskey in the jar

This is a lively song very popular in Ireland. It is the story of a highwayman who is betrayed by the woman he loves and is subsequently taken prisoner. For another, slightly different, version see Whiskey In The Jar (2).