How to play: This version uses G, F, Em, C, and D with no capo. Start with the intro progression slowly, then practice the verse and chorus separately before playing the full song.
[Intro]
G F
Em Em G G F
Em Em G G
[Verse 1]
G Em
As I was going over the Cork and Kerry mountains
C G
I saw Captain Farrell and his money he was counting
G Em
I first produced my pistol and then produced my rapier
C G
I said "Stand and deliver or the devil he may take you"
[Chorus]
D
Musha rain dum-A-do dum-A-da
C
Whack for my daddy
C
Whack for my daddy-o
G G F
There's Whiskey in the jar, o
[Interlude]
Em Em G G F
Em Em G G
[Verse 2]
G Em
I took all of his money and it was a pretty penny
C G
I took all of his money and I brought it home to Molly
G Em
She swore that she loved me, no never would she leave me
C G
But the devil take that woman, for you know she tricked me easy
[Chorus]
D
Musha rain dum-A-do dum-A-da
C
Whack for my daddy
C
Whack for my daddy-o
G G F
There's Whiskey in the jar, o
[Verse 3]
G Em
Being drunk and weary, I went to Molly's chamber
C G
Taking my Molly with me, but I never knew the danger
G Em
For about six or maybe seven, in walked Captain Farrell
C G
I jumped up, fired my pistols, and I shot him with both barrels
[Chorus]
D
Musha rain dum-A-do dum-A-da
C
Whack for my daddy
C
Whack for my daddy-o
G G F
There's Whiskey in the jar, o
[Verse 4]
G Em
Now some men like the fishing and some men like fowling
C G
And some men like to hear the cannonball a-roaring
G Em
Me, I like sleeping, especially in my Molly's chamber
C G
But here I am in prison, here I am with a ball and chain, yeah
[Chorus]
D
Musha rain dum-A-do dum-A-da
C
Whack for my daddy
C
Whack for my daddy-o
G G F
There's Whiskey in the jar, o
Practice tips
- Begin with the intro progression G → F → Em until the changes feel smooth.
- Practice the main verse progression G → Em → C → G slowly.
- The chorus uses the simple progression D → C → G.
- Practice the transition from G to F at the end of the chorus.
- Since no specific strumming pattern is provided, start with steady downstrokes and develop your own rhythm.
- Start slowly and gradually increase your speed once the chord changes become comfortable.
- Tap Beginner mode above to see every chord diagram inline.