As I was going over the far famed Kerry Mountains
I met with Captain Farrel and his money he was countin'
I first produced my pistol and I then produced my rapier
Saying: "Stand and deliver for you are a bold deceiver."

Mush-a-ring dabba-doo, dabba-da
Whack fol the daddy-o, whack fol the daddy-o,
There's whiskey in the jar!

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

Mush-a-ring dabba-doo, dabba-da
Whack fol the daddy-o, whack fol the daddy-o,
There's whiskey in the jar!

I went into my chamber all for to take a slumber
I dreamt of golden jewels and for sure it was no wonder
That Jenny drew my charges and she filled them up with water
Then sent for Captain Farrel to be ready for the slaughter.

Mush-a-ring dabba-doo, dabba-da
Whack fol the daddy-o, whack fol the 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 Farrel
I first produced my pistol for she’d stolen away my rapier
But I couldn't shoot the water so a prisoner I was taken.

Mush-a-ring dabba-doo, dabba-da
Whack fol the daddy-o, whack fol the daddy-o,
There's whiskey in the jar!

And if anyone can aid me it is 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 own misforting Jenny!

Mush-a-ring dabba-doo, dabba-da
Whack fol the daddy-o, whack fol the daddy-o,
There's whiskey in the jar!


(c) Folkaholics (traditional)