Whiskey in the Jar: Thin Lizzy vs. Metallica

Al on March 11, 2025

Since it’s around St. Patrick’s Day, I wanna talk about “Whiskey in the Jar.”

For those unfamiliar with this song, it is an Irish ballad about betrayal, robbery, and ill-gotten gains. Throughout generations, this song has evolved and morphed. Although the song first gained popularity with Irish folk band the Dubliners, two versions stand out. The first is Thin Lizzy’s 1972 hit and the second is Metallica’s Grammy-winning 1998 version.

Even though each band captures the essence of the song, their styles are different, reflecting their unique personalities. In this article, we will examine how these two legendary acts interpreted this classic tune, comparing and contrasting their approaches.

The Roots: A Traditional Tale with a Rock Twist

I think it’s important to acknowledge the song’s origins before we dissect it. “Whiskey in the Jar” is an Irish folk song that’s been around for centuries. The story involves a highwayman who, after robbing a captain, is betrayed by his lover, also known as Jenny, Emzy, or Ginny. While the lyrics vary a little between versions, they paint a vivid picture of the outlaw’s plight, his regrets, and that whiskey that fuels his adventures.

In 1972, Thin Lizzy, led by Phil Lynott, brought the song to a broader audience with some hard rock energy. This version became a staple of their live shows and an early career-defining moment.

Thin Lizzy: Think Soulful Pub Rock

Imagine yourself in a smoky pub with a pint of beer in hand, listening to Thin Lizzy. That’s how “Whiskey in the Jar” sounds. It starts with a simple guitar riff, nothing fancy, just grabs you. Phil Lynott’s voice then enters, and he just pours his heart out. There is a sense of regret, bravado, and everything else about this guy.

Do you hear those twin guitar harmonies? Typical Lizzy. Their melodies add a rich layer to the song like a frothy Guinness. What about Eric Bell’s guitar solo? Bluesy, melodic, just right for the mood of the song. There’s something real about this old story, like you’re right there with the highwayman.

Even though they stick pretty close to the original, they add a gritty edge and a rock and roll swagger to it. It’s like they’ve found the perfect balance between traditional and original.

Metallica: Pure Metal Mayhem

In ’98, Metallica releases their version on the covers album “Garage Inc.” and let me tell you, it’s a whole different beast. You know it’s going to be heavy because it’s Metallica.

You know, stadium-sized metal. James Hetfield’s voice is raw power, Kirk Hammett’s guitar solos are shredding, and Lars and Jason’s rhythm section just pound it out. I feel like they turned the song up to eleven and added a bunch of adrenaline.

Although true to the Thin Lizzy version, it’s way faster and way heavier. And, the music video is pretty iconic too.

So, What’s the Big Difference?

In the end, it comes down to heart versus power. In Thin Lizzy’s version, the song is all about the emotion, the soul. There is a sense of pain and confusion in the highwayman’s voice. There is nothing fake about it. It is raw and real.

This version by Metallica focuses on the raw power, the sheer force of their music. More than the story, it’s about the energy and intensity. It’s like there’s a metal freight train coming right at you.

As far as I’m concerned, both versions are awesome, but in different ways. When it comes to soulful and authentic music, Thin Lizzy will not disappoint. Play Metallica if you want to feel your blood pumping.

In the end, “Whiskey in the Jar” is a killer song, and both bands did it justice. Both of them took this old story and made it their own, and introduced it to a whole new audience. That’s the whole point of music, right? Keeping those stories alive.

The Cure vs. 311 “Love Song”

Al on February 10, 2025

Valentine’s Day. I’ll be honest. It’s not my cup of tea to celebrate the commercialized holiday. However, it has a way of creeping into our consciousness. For me, that often means revisiting a particular song: “Love Song” (sometimes stylized as “Lovesong”).

From the Cure’s album Disintegration, released in 1989, “Love Song” is melancholic beauty at its finest. It is a perfect example of how to capture the bittersweet complexities of love, a blend of tenderness and longing that evokes a deep emotional response in the listener. The band’s atmospheric instrumentation, complemented by Robert Smith’s vocals, creates an emotionally expansive, intimate, and vulnerable landscape.

Then there’s 311’s take on “Love Song,” which appeared on the soundtrack to the 2004 film 50 First Dates. Although fairly straightforward, this version takes a different approach. Adding a touch of reggae, rock, and funk, 311 creates a laid-back, feel-good track. In my opinion, it’s a sunny and optimistic interpretation. As a result, the result is a breezy, danceable track that’s perfect for a summer day or a romantic date.

Although 311’s version is undeniably catchy and uplifting, it lacks some of the raw emotion of the original. As we all know, capturing raw emotion is what makes The Cure, well, The Cure. 311 delivers a solid cover, but it doesn’t quite hit the same note as the original. Does that mean it’s a bad cover? Absolutely not. It’s just different. And, that’s okay. In their own way, both versions are great.

The English Beat vs. Eddie Vedder “Save it for Later”

Al on January 21, 2025

It’s said that “content is king.” But let’s be honest, original content is what really matters.

Put it this way:

  • Build your brand. Your voice is more likely to be recognized and trusted if you create original content.
  • Boost your SEO. You will rank higher on search engines if you have unique content.
  • Keep your audience hooked. What’s the point of reading the same thing everywhere?
  • Establishes trust. You become a trusted source when you share unique insights.

Additionally, it makes you stand out from the crowd. Unlike everyone else, you’re not just regurgitating the same information. It’s something fresh and valuable that people can’t find anywhere else.

Now, I get it. It sometimes feels like you’ve squeezed every last drop out of original content. I mean how many times can you create a list of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time or the expenses you can write off for a home office?

In a way, it’s like when a band does a cover song.

As an artist, you want to have an original music catalog. There are times, however, when you decide to pay homage to an artist who has inspired you. Maybe if you’re playing in Atlantic City you cover Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City.” Or perhaps another song already perfectly describes your feelings.

The same goes for content. You don’t always need to be original. You should, however, make it your own, just as you would with a cover song.

Case in point, Eddie Vedder’s version of “Save it For Later.”

This song was originally released in 1982 by British ska and new wave band the Beat (known in North America as the English Beat). Perhaps you’ve heard it in movies like Kingpin, Big Daddy, Hot Tub Time Machine, or Spider-Man: Homecoming.

For us Pearl Jam fans, it’s usually heard at the end of “Betterman.” So, it’s not surprising that Eddie covered it for the TV show The Bear in 2024.

I love the original version. I think it’s fun. The cover, however, remains uniquely Eddie without losing its personality. Because of this, you can really hear the lyrics, which is ironic since people often mock him for mumbling. In addition, the sax solo was kept, which is a nice tribute to the original.

In my opinion, this is exactly how you cover a song. Cover songs must strike a delicate balance between preserving the original and adding your unique voice. It is about paying homage to the song’s melody, lyrics, and emotion while adding your interpretation.

Content creators should also adhere to this principle of respectful reinvention. If you write a blog post about a popular tourist destination, for example, you shouldn’t repeat existing information. It should offer a fresh perspective, like focusing on hidden gems or sharing personal anecdotes — which is what I did when sharing my travels in Italy.

The bottom line is, it’s okay if your content isn’t the most original. It’s all about offering a fresh and unique take on the subject.