The song "Whiskey in the Jar" is based upon an old traditional Irish drinking tune and soon became Metallica's new drinking song.

Album:
Garage Inc.

The cover of:
Although the song "Whiskey in the Jar" revived the first time on a record by the Irish singing group the Dubliners, Metallica covered the version which was originally released by Thin Lizzy in 1972 as a UK single.

The subject matter:
It is about a young bandit robs an army officer to keep his girlfriend happy and was imprisoned after she betrays him.

What Metallica says about it:
James: "It's extremely catchy and the fact it isn't really their song is weird, it's some Irish drinking song. I liked the fact the Phil Lynott could go anywhere and write any style, from some completely sappy love ballad to some total quick-rocker to goofing around with the cowboy song, to different shuffle beats."