Whiskey Is the Life of Man
Spirited Tales: Whiskey's Lively Grip on Life
Lyrics
Whiskey is the life of man
Whiskey is a central part of a man's life.
Whiskey from an old tin can
Whiskey is consumed, perhaps from a humble container.
I like whiskey hot and strong
Preference for hot and strong whiskey is expressed.
And I'll drink whiskey all day long
Commitment to drinking whiskey throughout the day.
Whiskey-oh, Johnny-oh, rise it up from down below
Celebratory chant to lift whiskey spirits.
Whiskey-oh, Johnny-oh, rise it up from down below
-Whiskey-oh, Johnny-oh, whiskey, whiskey, whiskey-oh
-Up aloft this yard must go
Referencing the physical task of raising a yard (nautical term), possibly symbolizing a challenging endeavor.
Come rise him up from down below
-I'll drink it hot, I'll drink it cold
Expressing versatility in whiskey consumption and a desire for a large quantity.
I'll drink it new, I'll drink it old
-Some like whisket, some like beer
-I wish I had a barrel here
-Whiskey-oh, Johnny-oh, rise it up from down below
Reiteration of the celebratory chant.
Whiskey-oh, Johnny-oh, rise it up from down below
-Whiskey-oh, Johnny-oh, whiskey, whiskey, whiskey-oh
-Up aloft this yard must go
Repetition of the physical task, emphasizing its importance.
Come rise him up from down below
-Whiskey killed my sister Sue
Attributing negative consequences to whiskey, including death and madness in the family.
And whiskey killed my brother too
-Whiskey killed my poor old Dad
-And whiskey drove my Mother mad
-Whiskey-oh, Johnny-oh, rise it up from down below
Reiteration of the celebratory chant despite the negative associations with whiskey.
Whiskey-oh, Johnny-oh, rise it up from down below
-Whiskey-oh, Johnny-oh, whiskey, whiskey, whiskey-oh
-Up aloft this yard must go
Repetition of the physical task, maintaining its significance.
Come rise him up from down below
-If whiskey comes to near my nose
Describing a reaction to the proximity of whiskey, possibly implying its intoxicating effect.
It's 'up-she-comes' and 'down-she-goes'
-A glass of grog for every man
Associating grog and a bottle with the Shantyman, suggesting a communal and celebratory aspect of drinking.
And a bottle full for the Shantyman
-Whiskey-oh, Johnny-oh, rise it up from down below
Reiteration of the celebratory chant, emphasizing the communal nature of the activity.
Whiskey-oh, Johnny-oh, rise it up from down below
-Whiskey-oh, Johnny-oh, whiskey, whiskey, whiskey-oh
-Up aloft this yard must go
Repetition of the physical task, underscoring its ongoing importance.
Come rise him up from down below
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