Whiskey in the Jar by The Dubliners — ESL Song Worksheet | English Plans

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WHISKEY IN THE JAR

~ The Dubliners · 1967 ~

Listen carefully and fill in the missing words.

    Verse 1
As I was a goin' over the far famed Kerry (1)
I met with captain Farrell and his money he was (2)
I first produced me (3) and I then produced me rapier
Saying "Stand and (4)" for he were a bold deceiver

Chorus
Mush-a ring dumb-a do dumb-a da
Whack fall the daddy-o, whack fall the daddy-o
There's whiskey in the jar

Verse 2
I counted out his money and it made a pretty (5)
I put it in me (6) and I took it home to Jenny
She sighed and she (7) that she never would deceive me
But the devil take the women for they never can be easy

[Chorus]

Verse 3
I went unto my (8), all for to take a slumber
I dreamt of gold and jewels and for sure it was no wonder
But Jenny drew me charges and she filled them up with (9)
Then sent for captain Farrell to be ready for the slaughter

[Chorus]

Verse 4
'Twas early in the morning, before I rose to travel
Up comes a band of (10) and likewise captain Farrell
I first produced me pistol for she'd (11) away my rapier
I couldn't shoot the (12), so a prisoner I was taken

[Chorus]

Verse 5
If anyone can aid me 'tis my brother in the army
If I can find his station in Cork or in Killarney
And if he'll go with me, we'll go roamin' through Kilkenney
And I'm sure he'll treat me better than my own me sportin' Jenny

[Chorus]

Verse 6
There's some take delight in the carriages a rollin'
And others take delight in the hurly and the bowling
But I take (13) in the juice of the barley
And courting pretty fair maids in the morning bright and (14)

[Final Chorus]
  

Whiskey in the Jar

The Dubliners · 1967

ClassPlan.ai

Song Worksheets

Odd Word Out

In each group, circle the word that doesn't fit. Explain why it's different.

Group 1

pistolrapierchamberfootmen

Reason:

Group 2

countingdeliverslumberrolling

Reason:

Group 3

deceiverprisonerbrotherjewels

Reason:

Group 4

KerryCorkKillarneywhiskey

Reason:

Finish the Lyric

Complete these lyric lines in your own creative way. Try to match the rhythm and style of the original song.

1. As I was a walkin' down the streets of old...

2. I met with a stranger and his eyes were...

3. He told me a story of love and...

4. But I knew that his words would...

5. For there's magic in the music and...

Did you know?

Read these facts about the song. Which one surprises you most?

🎵This traditional Irish folk song dates back to the 17th century and tells the story of a highway robber betrayed by his lover.
⭐The song has been covered by famous artists including Thin Lizzy, Metallica, and The Clancy Brothers, making it one of Ireland's most recognized folk songs.
🎸Kerry Mountains mentioned in the song are real mountains in County Kerry, southwestern Ireland, known for their rugged beauty and remote locations.
📀The phrase 'Stand and deliver' was the classic command used by highway robbers in Britain and Ireland during the 17th and 18th centuries.
🎤Cork and Killarney, mentioned in the final verse, are real places in County Cork and Kerry respectively, highlighting the song's authentic Irish geography.

Discussion & analysis

Discuss each question with your partner.

1Why do you think Jenny betrayed the narrator? What might have motivated her actions?
2How does the cheerful chorus contrast with the dark story being told in the verses?

3Have you ever felt betrayed by someone you trusted? How did it affect your relationship?
4What does this song suggest about loyalty, trust, and the consequences of our choices?

🔥 Play It! — Hot or Cold

One student steps out. Class agrees on a secret song or artist. Student returns and asks yes/no questions — up to 20. Class says "warmer" or "colder" after each guess.