In his book, The Folk Songs of North America, folk music historian Alan Lomax also suggested that the song originated in the 17th century.
The Story Behind the Song: Thin Lizzy’s weekend anthem ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’ Again, there is no concrete evidence for this, even if the similarities are stark. One report claims that a number of the song’s lines and elements of a plot that resembles the Irish historical broadside ballad ‘Patrick Fleming’, about the notorious highwayman Patrick Fleming who was executed in 1650. The exact roots of the song are unknown, and duly, there exist numerous accounts for where the mysterious original author might have taken their inspiration. The song is about a highwayman who is betrayed by his wife or lover, but it is never made clear who they actually were or why they did it. The other interesting thing about ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ is its origins. However, the record company loved it so much that they decided to make ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ the single. They offered it to the record company as the reverse to ‘Black Boys On The Corner’ because they didn’t have any other material to use.
Hilariously, although it became a massive hit for Thin Lizzy in 1972, it was initially intended only as a B-side. There are brilliant elements to this rendition, such as the wailing guitar line, Lynott’s husky delivery, and the raucous control of the chorus, all of which serve to make it one of the best rock tracks ever released – and one of Thin Lizzy’s most enduring. Their arrangement, masterminded by Phil Lynott, Eric Bell and Brian Downey, stayed faithful to the original but electrified it. It guarantees that people will be merrily singing along in unison come to the first chorus.Īlthough it was folk heroes The Dubliners who popularised the song in the mainstream with the release of their rendition in 1968, it was actually their countrymen, Thin Lizzy, who truly cemented its legacy in the wider collective consciousness. The song’s true genius lies with the fact that it suits any occasion, be it in a pub, a wedding, or otherwise. Whether it be in its traditional folk format, The Dubliners version or even the Metallica redux, it’s an earworm with a stirring chorus that we can all get behind. ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ is an undeniable classic.
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