Dropkick Murphys have released a polished demo version of “Flannigan’s Ball,” one of the many tracks from the band’s forthcoming The Meanest of Times release. As the story goes, “On July, 2nd, 2007 we flew to Dublin to record the song ‘Flannigan’s Ball’ with our good friend Spider Stacy from the Pogues and the legend himself, Mr. Ronnie Drew from The Dubliners. We just wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge Ronnie for being such a kind and humble man, that even in the face of his own serious medical issues and the recent death of his wife he was thoughtful enough to come down to the studio and spend the day teaching us a thing or two about how it’s really done!” While this version of the song lacks the fine guest contributions, it strikes hard as a tale of drinking, dancing and fighting – in that order, as a matter of fact.

“Flannigan’s Ball” Lyrics

In the town of Milton one Brian Flannigan battered away till his money was spent, then he hit a big one and felt like a man again, bought a three decker with two floors for rent. He threw a big party for friends and relations at a grand old place called Floren Hall and if you’ll just listen I’ll make your eyes glisten to the rows and the ructions of Flannigan’s ball.

Six long months I spent in Quincy, six long months doing nothing at all. Six long months I spent in Quincy learning to dance for Flannigan’s ball. I stepped out and I stepped in again, I stepped out and I stepped in again, I stepped out and I stepped in again learning to dance for Flannigan’s ball.

Free beer on tap and wine for the ladies, ziti and sauce for Mark Porzio. There were Faheys and Bradys, McAuliffies and Daleys courtin’ the girls and dancing away. Brian Tully sang out in his finest form, the patron’s responded and I lead ‘em all, I’d spent six months at Forbes Academy learning to dance for Flannigan’s ball.

Six long months I spent in Quincy, six long months doing nothing at all. Six long months I spent in Quincy learning to dance for Flannigan’s ball. I stepped out and I stepped in again, I stepped out and I stepped in again, I stepped out and I stepped in again learning to dance for Flannigan’s ball.

The boys were hammered the girls were hearty dancing around in couples and groups, an accident happened young Dennis Flemming put his right leg through Miss Finneran’s hoops. This gal she fainted and cried bloody murder, called for her sons and gathered them all. Christopher swore he’d go no further till he had revenge at Flannigan’s ball.

Six long months I spent in Quincy, six long months doing nothing at all. Six long months I spent in Quincy learning to dance for Flannigan’s ball. I stepped out and I stepped in again, I stepped out and I stepped in again, I stepped out and I stepped in again learning to dance for Flannigan’s ball.

In the midst of the melee Miss Collins fainted, her cheeks by now were as red as a rose. Some of the boys decreed she was plastered, had a small drop too much I suppose. Young Scotty Jenkins so big and able saw his fair Colleen stretched by the wall, tore the left leg from under the table and smashed all the dishes at Flannigan’s ball.

Boy oh boy now this was a rumble, myself took a lick from mean Ricky Green. But I soon replied to that fine introduction and gabe him a terrible kick in the spleen. Talent The Piper nearly got strangled, they squeezed on his bellows, chanters and all. The girls in the middle nearly got tramples and that put and end to Flannigan’s ball.

Six long months I spent in Quincy, six long months doing nothing at all. Six long months I spent in Quincy learning to dance for Flannigan’s ball. I stepped out and I stepped in again, I stepped out and I stepped in again, I stepped out and I stepped in again learning to dance for Flannigan’s ball.

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Dropkick Murphys “The Meanest Of Times” (album)
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