From the Bodleian ballad collection, Johnson Ballads 612A, "between 1846 and 1854."

[These versions are very similar: Harding B 11(4152), Harding B 15(372a), Johnson Ballads 612A, and 2806 b.10(109).]


WHISKEY IN THE JAR

I am a young fellow that never yet was daunted,
And oftentimes had money, but seldom it was wanted,
For robbing for gold, it was my own folly,
Paying for good liquor to treat deceitful Molly.
Musha ring a ding a ra.

As I was going over Calvert mountains,
I met with Captain Everet, his money he was counting,
First I drew my pistols, and then I drew my rapier,
Stand and deliver, for I am your bold deceiver.
Musha ring, &c.

Oh! when I got his money, it was a pretty penny,
I put it in my pocket and took it home to Molly,
When she swore by what was good, that she never would deceive me,
But the devil take the women, for they never can be easy.
Musha ring, &c.

Being both wet and weary, I went to Molly's chamber,
I went to Molly's chamber for to have a slumber,
When she flew unto my pistols and she loaded them with—water,
I was dragged out of my bed just as like a lamb to the slaughter.
Musha ring, &c.

It was early next morning, between six and seven,
Surrounded by policemen, and likewise Captain Everet,
I fired off my pistols and powder, but was mistaken,
I fired off the water and a prisoner I was taken.
Musha ring, &c.

There's some take delight in fishing and fowling,
Whilst others take delight in hearing cannons roaring,
But I take delight in being brisk and jolly,
And in paying for good liquor to treat deceitful Molly.
Musha ring, &c.

Oh! I have got two brothers, and they are in the army,
One is in Cork, and the other in Killarney,
If I had them here to-night, oh, wouldn't I make them jolly,
I would rather have them here than you deceitful Molly.
Musha ring, &c.

It was early next morning, between six and seven,
It was up against my cell door the turnkey he was bawling,
When I out with my shackles and knocked the turnkey down,
And I made my escape out of fair Philip's Town.
Musha ring, &c.

E. Hodges, from PITTS Wholesale Toy & Marble Warehouse, 31, Dudley Street, late Monmouth Street, 7 Dials, [London]