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"Metallica, Grateful Dead, Thin Lizzy: top of the best versions of the Irish folk song "Whiskey in the Jar"

"Whiskey in the Jar" is a very old song. So much so, that it is simply impossible to determine its exact age....

"Whiskey in the Jar" - history and meaning of the song, best versions

"Whiskey in the Jar" - A popular folk song from Ireland, telling the sad story of a robber who robbed an official and exposed his own girlfriend, who turned out to be a traitor.

Supposedly, the song has its roots in the XVII century. But even centuries later, it is insanely popular with the current generation of listeners and artists. Countless bands and musicians have performed the piece. And the rock monster version "Metallica." and became a cult favourite! But let's take it all in order: first of all, we suggest to understand the origin of the world hit song.

Origin story

Bandit, art
Bandit

"Whiskey in the Jar" - it's a very old song. So much so that it is simply impossible to determine its exact age. Nevertheless, the mention of a rapier in the lyrics suggests that the roots of the song go back to the 18th century. But even this hypothesis is in great doubt: the fact is that the early version of the song could include not at all "rapier"., а "rapparee". And this is a very different Irish word, changing the meaning: in ancient times, the expression referred to the irregular soldiers and bandits of Ireland who served the state in the XVII and XVIII centuries.

However, the not-so-famous historian Alan Lomax I'm pretty sure "Whiskey in the Jar" refers specifically to XVII century. During this period the lands of Britain were inhabited by those who admired the local brigands - you could say it was a kind of cult! The fact is that in Ireland and Scotland, brigands only harmed wealthy Englishmen, so they were considered patriotic heroes. For the same reason, the song was a success among Americans who disliked British officials. But it is important to note that the American version of the song "Whiskey in the Jar" has undergone significant changes in the text.

Lyrical meaning

Outlaws
Outlaws

The song tells a story from of the bandit's face. The hero tells the listener that he committed a robbery of an important official, and after his beloved betrayed him. At her will he found himself in prison. The composition ends with the arrested criminal contemplating an escape: he can't wait to return to a beautiful life.

Given the age of the song, it is not surprising that it has not come down to us in its original form. The text has undergone many changes, causing some versions of "Whiskey in the Jar" to be geographically diverse, or the name of the chief official to be different: sometimes it is the Captain Farrelland sometimes Colonel Pepper.

The best versions

"Metallica."
"Metallica."

This song has become a magnet for most artists who relentlessly re-sing it. Thus, their charming interpretations have been presented at different times: "Grateful Dead, U2, Smokie, The Poxy Boggards, Paul and Mary, The Pogues. and others. But we will discuss the most popular and successful ones.

Cover "Thin Lizzy" saw the light of day in the first half 70-х and quickly became a success! It was this composition that brought the band their first popularity: their "Whiskey in the Jar" entered the British top 10, and the band itself formed an army of fans. Today, the live performance of the song has gained over three million views on YouTube.

Another classy cover was presented by the British band "Pulp."! It happened in the middle 90-х. However, their version did not gain millions of views on YouTube, but nevertheless resonated with a wide audience.

Probably the most popular cover of "Whiskey in the Jar" belongs to a group "Metallica."and there's no arguing with that! On YouTube, it has racked up more than 90 million views! The audience was delighted with the interpretation of rock monsters. In 1998, the band was even honoured with an award "Grammys." for "Best Hard Rock Performance."

"Whiskey in the Jar" performed by "Metallica." is so popular that unenlightened listeners are convinced that it's band hit! But you and I now know his story.

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