Switchel in the Jar

A Nautical Rendition of the Irish Ballad “Whiskey in the Jar”

Switchel in the Jar
(From the perspective of British Captain James Richard Dacres during the battle between the USS Constitution and the HMS Guerriere during the war of 1812)

As I was sailing over the deep and briny ocean
I met with Captain Isacc, and his ship he had in motion.
I first ran up my colors and I then ran out my broadside,
Saying: "Stand and deliver or ye are a bold deceiver!"
Mush-a-rigum, durram-da whack-fol-the daddie-o,
Whack-fol-the daddie-o, there's Switchel in the jar.

I counted out their sailors and they made a pretty party
With double loaded cannons they warned us we'd be sorry.
I laughed and I told them "My tars will show you mercy,
For when you strike your colors, they'll see you'll not be thirsty-"
Mush-a-rigum, durram-da whack-fol-the daddie-o
Whack-fol-the daddie-o, "there's Switchel in the jar!"

Out flashed a burst of fire, as Yankee cannons thundered
My crew sent up a roar and sure it was no wonder,
For Constitution's broadside had felled our mizzenmast
And with it went the rigging as we stood and watched aghast.
Mush-a-rigum, durram-da whack-fol-the daddie-o
Whack-fol-the daddie-o, "there's Switchel in the jar!"

‘Twas all through the smoke and splinters we gave them ball for ball
But would you have it known, our lead bounced off her hull!
“Her sides are made of iron,” a Yankee sailor cried,
“Huzzah for Captain Hull and our good Old Ironsides!”
Mush-a-rigum, durram-da whack-fol-the daddie-o
Whack-fol-the daddie-o, there's Switchel in the jar!"


Then came the crash of timber, our two ships did collide
I called for boarding parties as did the other side.
But then as fate would have it a musket’s fatal ball
Struck me to the deck - more than my pride would fall!
Mush-a-rigum, durram-da whack-fol-the daddie-o
Whack-fol-the daddie-o, there's Switchel in the jar!

Twas clear we we now were losing, I knew it all too true
My far-famed Guerriere was no match for their crew.
With masts and rigging shattered and spirits sorely shaken
We couldn’t fight them longer and so prisoners we were taken.
Mush-a-rigum, durram-da whack-fol-the daddie-o
Whack-fol-the daddie-o, there's Switchel in the jar!

I sent for Captain Hull to offer him my sword
He thanked me but refused, my weapon was restored.
"Keep it my bold Dacres, your courage has gone far,
But if you care to join me there's switchel in the jar."
Mush-a-rigum, durram-da whack-fol-the daddie-o Whack-fol-the daddie-o, there's Switchel in the jar!