Top 10 Irish Drinking Songs for St. Patricks Day

With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, The Bastard looks towards his most favorite holiday and shares his top 10 Irish Drinkin’ Songs in no particular order. So enjoy.

1. Beer, Beer, Beer (The Clancy Brothers)

“Beer, Beer, Beer Tidily Beer, Beer, Beer”
While Charlie Mopps may be a myth of dubious proportions this fun song’s easy to remember chorus is always crowd pleaser.

2. Bugger off (The Dubliners)

“Like a Herd of Bloody Swine That Refuse to Leave the Trough, You’ll Get No More This Evening So You Bastards Bugger Off.”
The mock hostility between the band and the audience is what makes this great. The band: “Bugger off you bastards, bugger off” The audience: “Fuck you”.  Priceless.

3. Whiskey in the Jar (The Dubliners, Thin Lizzy, Metallica, and others)

“Whack For the Daddy ‘Ol , There’s Whiskey in the Jar”
Probably the most famous of all Irish folk songs and done in so many styles. You should be able to find a version that will fit any mood. Don’t worry, it’s all good.

4. Finnegan’s Wake (Dropkick Murphys)

“Woman to Woman and Man to Man. Shillelagh Law Was All the Rage”
While it’s an Irish folk song I love the Murphs version of it with the blending of traditional with the energy of punk.

5. Fairytale of New York (The Pogues with Kristy MacColl)

“You’re a Bum, You’re a Punk. You’re an Old Slut on Junk.”
I know, I know this is usually considered a Christmas song but this beautifully bitter sweet song about 2 lovers in the clutches of alcoholism and drug addiction. This song is so full of humor, joy, and heart break.

6. Seven Deadly Sins (Flogging Molly)

“We’re Seven Drunken Pirates; we’re The Seven Deadly Sins”
A modern sea shanty that was dedicated to Joe Strummer and a damn fun song to boot.

7. Irish Drinking Song (Buck O Nine)

“And Mary McGregor, Well She Was a Pretty Whore”
It’s been called “Drink and Fight”.  It’s been credited by Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, and The Bouncing Souls, but this ska band from San Diego is the guilty party.

8. Down to the Old Pub Instead (Steven Lynch)

“She’ll Retain Her Water, Her Breast Will Be Tender, and Every Third Word That You Say Will Offend Her”
A great alternative for that time of the month.

9. Kiss Me I’m Shitfaced (Dropkick Murphys)

“I Play One Mean Guitar and Then Score at the Bar”
A song about a sad drunken braggart. I think if I had a theme song, this would probably it.

10. Worst Day since Yesterday (Flogging Molly)

“Hell Says Hello, Well it’s Time I Should Go”
Mixing Irish folk with Country and Blues makes this a great sing a long when you got a couple under your belt

Well, that’s it. I hope everyone has a great St Patrick’s Day and stay away from green Fucking beer.

In closing I want to leave you with an Irish toast.
“Here’s to a long life and a merry one.
A quick death and a easy one.
A pretty girl and a honest one.
A cold pint… and another one.”

Until the next round,

D.B.

PS For some year around drinking songs, check out blackdog’s list of tunes he regularly pisses with at Beer Drinking Songs for Hell Raisers. If you happen to be drinking and have a naked chick with you, try Megannibus’ list of stripper songs.