On the record
By Susan Pugh on May. 15, 2008
By Bradford Brady and John Maron
Q: In the song “Whiskey in the Jar” by Thin Lizzy, what is the meaning of the strange words in the chorus? Are they perhaps Gaelic?
A: Although Thin Lizzy is probably most famous in the U.S. for the song “The Boys Are Back in Town,” they had a U.K. Top-10 hit in 1973 with their version of the traditional Irish folk tune called “Whiskey in the Jar.” One critic at the time compared it to a reggae version of “Greensleeves.” As with a lot of traditional folk songs (and especially Irish drinking songs), the chorus appears to have little real meaning. Despite their heavy metal sound, Thin Lizzy had a hard time living down the folksy image this song conjured up for many listeners. Some readers may also remember that Metallica recorded a version of the song on their 1998 release, “Garage, Inc.”
Q: I remember a song by Johnny Cash in the ’60s or early ’70s that told of the lights going out as the neighbors ran out of lamp oil. Sometimes a good neighbor brought them oil so that they could at least have light. Can you help me find this song?
A: The song you’re looking for is “Christmas as I Knew It.” Originally released in 1963 on Cash’s holiday album, “The Christmas Spirit,” the song is interesting in that it tells of Cash’s childhood but it was written by June Carter Cash and Jan Howard. The song appears on numerous holiday albums by Cash including a 2003 collection called “Christmas with Johnny Cash,” which includes a previously unreleased version that was recorded during rehearsals for one of his Christmas specials on television. It is also included on the recently released DVD “The Johnny Cash Christmas Special 1976.”
Q: I would love to know the name of the ’70s country song with the chorus, “By the time I’m through, she’ll throw stones at you.” I thought it might be Bill Anderson, but I can’t confirm that. It was popular at the same time as another country song that was “She can put her shoes under my bed anytime.”
A: Most likely, the song you’re looking for is “She’ll Throw Stones at You” by Freddie Hart. Born in 1926, Hart began playing guitar when he was 5 years old. At the age of 21, he met Hank Williams and learned about the craft of songwriting. A few years later, he joined Lefty Frizzell’s band, which led to being signed to a recording contract with Capitol Records. In 1955, he had his first major success when his song “Loose Talk” became a No. 1 country hit for Carl Smith. He hit his peak in the early ’70s when he had six No. 1 country hits, including his most famous song, “Easy Lovin.’” In 1976, he released the album “People Put To Music,” which included “She’ll Throw Stones at You.” By the way, “She Can Put Her Shoes Under My Bed Anytime” was a No. 1 country hit for Johnny Duncan in 1978.
What’s the name of that song? Where are they now? What does that lyric mean? Send questions to or visit http://www.musicontherecord.com. Brady and Maron are freelance music writers based in Raleigh, N.C.
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