Whiskey in the Jar

As I was a-goin’ over the Cork & Kerry Mountains

I met with Captain Farrell, and his money he was countin’.

First I drew my pistols and then I drew my rapier,

Sayin’ “Stand and deliver, for I am your bold deceiver.”

Musha ringum duram da,

Whack fol the daddy-o,

There’s whiskey in the jar.

He counted out his money and it made a pretty penny;

I put it in my pocket to take home to ‘ Jenny.

She sighed and swore she loved me and never would deceive me,

But the devil take the women, for they always lie so easy!

Musha ringum duram da …

I went into me chamber all for to take a slumber,

To dream of gold and girls, and of course it was no wonder:

Me Jenny took me charges and she filled them up with water,

Called on Captain Farrell to get ready for the slaughter.

Musha ringum duram da …

Next mornin’ early, before I rose for travel,

Up came a band of footmen and likewise Captain Farrell.

I goes to draw my pistol, for she’d stole away my rapier,

But I couldn’t shoot for water, so a prisoner I was taken

Musha ringum duram da …

They put me into jail with a judge all a-writin’:

For robbin’ Colonel Farrell on Gilgarra Mountain.

But they didn’t take me fists and I knocked the jailer down

And bid me a farewell to this tight-fisted town.

Musha ringum duram da …

I’d like to find me brother, the one who’s in the army;

I don’t know where he’s stationed, be it Cork or in Killarney.

Together we’d go roamin’ o’er the mountains of Kilkenny,

And I swear he’d treat me fairer than my darlin’ sportin’ Jenny!

Musha ringum duram da …

There’s some that takes delight in the carriages and rollin’,

Some that takes delight in the hurley or the bollin’,

But I takes delight in the juice of the barley,

Courtin’ pretty maids in the mornin’, o so early!

Musha ringum duram da …