Whiskey In The Jar – Thin Lizzy

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Whiskey In The Jar – Thin Lizzy

Love this song, great mixture of my Irish roots and my love of rock music. Thin Lizzy are totally underrated, another band that could have become music gods if their lead singer Phil Lynott hadn't died tragically young. Their sound was of it's time but they were a very tight band and really rocked. This song as a great example taking a traditional Irish dittie and rocking it out. The guitar intro alone is genius, it takes you off on a journey before you even know what the song is going to be about. The lyrics tell a story of a guy falling in love and trying to steal his way to his girlfriends affections. She does the dirty on him, message here is don't get drunk if you're in a vulnerable position. But really the story in this case is a bit secondary, let's just ride along with the catchy tune and great beat.

Phil's voice is very emotive and strong, one of those singers that could make a nursery rhythm sound punchy. He was the bass player in the band which is still quite unusual for the lead singer. Being a black Irish man trying to break through into the music industry in the 70s was an extra barrier that they had to get through. He was born in England but grew up in Ireland. When you consider other versions of this song by bands like The Dubliners, this version is such a step forward. Then there were even more extreme versions by bands like Metallica.

The other kicking song of Thin Lizzy's, The Boys Are Back In Town, another rock standard, a story of a group of friends getting back together.

Favourite lyric : Being drunk and weary, I went to Molly's chamber / Takin' my Molly with me and I never knew the danger

Location: Rayleigh, UK

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