From Pulp to Metallica: The five covers of ‘Whiskey in the Jar’
For many artists, song covers are a risky game. Most of the time, it poses the obvious question of whether to remain loyal to the original or place an entirely new spin on it. If it’s the latter, there’s the added risk of straying too far from its original appeal and turning people off. For some strange reason, however, ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ has been covered exceptionally so often that pinpointing the original is difficult.
In truth, ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ didn’t originate from Thin Lizzy—it’s a traditional Irish song that graced the face of contemporary culture from the 1950s onwards. Funnily enough, it was actually The Dubliners that coerced it into the mainstream when they covered it repeatedly in the ’50s and included it in three of their albums throughout the 1960s. Also in the swinging decade, the Highwaymen further popularised it with a cover for their album Encore.
Of course, Thin Lizzy ripped up the rulebook when they unleashed their rock cover in 1973, but numerous covers that followed—including another special Dubliners rendition with the Pogues and a metal-baked iteration by Metallica—have made it one of the most prolific and instantly recognisable covers in modern music, and subsequently one of the most versatile.
The reasons for this are obvious. While its exact origins remain unknown, the song is said to have emerged from an Irish highwayman in the 17th century, carrying a cultural weight that doesn’t appear too explicit as to dictate exactly what it’s about. Framed in its original Irish heritage, there are clear notes of rebellion and betrayal in the face of authority, but various covers and adaptations have transitioned it from an anthem of disillusionment to one with universally relatable themes.
Let’s take a look at some of the best cover versions.
The best covers of ‘Whiskey in the Jar’
Thin Lizzy
In 1973, Thin Lizzy wasn’t as clear on their distinctive sound as it perhaps seems with hindsight. At this juncture, the band was still very much experimenting with different sounds to establish what might feel right. Only two years into their tenure, they had yet to define the hard-hitting rock-inspired sound that would later categorise their own specific flavour of music.
‘Whiskey in the Jar’ was the perfect ammo to catapult them to widespread attention, as it not only proved them to be one of the more daring acts with a cover that took a classic and reinterpreted it with an uncompromising rock twist, but it also took a burgeoning trend that established their fresh sound. As a result, they unknowingly set a benchmark for what would signify a flood of various rock covers, becoming a touchpoint for countless others who wanted to cash in on turning traditional tunes into modern anthems.
The Dubliners
Fans of the more traditional iterations will likely describe The Dubliners’ version of ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ as the best one, mainly because it appears as close to an original-sounding copy as you could imagine and is completely uncompromising in its strive to reflect the messaging as authentically as possible. Not only did this version spark countless covers of the song, but it also proved the raw and rustic energy of the original could hold mainstream appeal.
Moreover, the Dubliners’ ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ could be construed as the version that started it all, supercharging its broader intrigue in a way that remained almost entirely identical to its original essence, especially when compared to later versions, like Thin Lizzy’s rock twist, which stood in stark contrast to the Dubliners’ Irish-leaning community feel.
Pulp
By the time Pulp decided to emit their own flavour of ‘Whiskey in the Jar’, Thin Lizzy had already proven that the Irish classic could be moulded into anything you please. However, whether that was done with prowess was always up for debate, which was incidentally a risk Pulp was willing to take during the sessions for Different Class.
Pulp’s version saw Jarvis Cocker exercising the artistry of his own vocals, diverting from Thin Lizzy’s earlier energetic appeal to a more decidedly melancholic approach. Each verse seems to become enhanced with a certain darkness, which mirrors the sinister lines running through the traditional version, despite the lounge feel of the arrangements contradicting this with a more overtly casual atmosphere.
The Dubliners & The Pogues
Although the Dubliners have already featured in this list, the version of ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ they recorded with The Pogues in 1990 is certainly not to be dismissed, mainly because everything Shane MacGowan seemed to touch musically turned to gold. This version takes their earlier rendition and infuses it with some good-willed Irish spirit and energy, almost like you’ve just stumbled upon a bar somewhere deep in the city of Cork.
Of course, MacGowan’s signature raspy embellishments add to its charm, fitting perfectly within his broader punk ethos while adhering to the song’s original narrative appeal. Then again, MacGowan always had a certain knack for storytelling and was often able to give the game away with purpose and confidence, even when his words and messages were unclear.
Metallica
In stark contrast to Shane MacGowan’s folkish energy, Metallica placed their stamp on the Irish classic the only way they know how—with heavy rock energy and an extreme focus on the song’s rebellious infliction. This is clear from the opening notes, not just within the headiness of the guitar licks but in James Hetfield’s aggressive delivery—hear the way he snarls the word “devil” in the line “the devil he may take ya”?
Although Thin Lizzy already proved that the song could be reimagined through a rock lens and still hold its appeal, Metallica took this to the next level by reframing it as a hard-hitting metal anthem. While the original narrative remains intact, the song itself sounds more akin to something lurking within the darker tones of their discography, with distorted guitar and a thumping rhythm that makes it feel like something insidious peers from the shadows.
