So You Wanna Know What "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" is All About? Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Ah, the Dropkick Murphys' "I'm Shipping Up to Boston." A song so iconic, you can practically smell the salty sea air and hear the barroom brawls erupt just by listening to the opening riff. But what exactly is this modern-day shanty telling us? Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive deeper than a whale looking for a lobster roll.
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| What is Shipping Up To Boston About |
A Tale of High Seas and Lost Limbs (Maybe)
The lyrics are a bit cryptic, which adds to the song's charm. Our narrator, a rough-and-tumble sailor (possibly with a peg leg, if the first line is literal) is, well, shipping up to Boston. Is he a salty dog yearning for home? A hardened criminal on the lam? The beauty of the song is that it's open to interpretation.
Here's the thing: The lyrics were actually penned by folk legend Woody Guthrie, who never set foot on a ship in his life. But the Dropkick Murphys, bless their kilted hearts, turned them into a full-fledged high-seas anthem. Talk about a genre-bending power move!
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
A Soundtrack for Shenanigans (and Maybe Some Patriotism?)
Let's be honest, the song is pure, unadulterated fun. It's the kind of song that makes you want to down a Guinness, grab your best mate, and cause a little friendly mayhem (but maybe not too much, because the coppers will be on your tail, as the song so eloquently puts it).
There's also a subtle undercurrent of patriotism, particularly in the film version used in "The Departed." Maybe it's the sense of camaraderie, the blue-collar spirit, or the fact that Boston is a city that's seen its fair share of scrapes. Whatever it is, "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" makes you want to raise a fist and belt out the chorus with a group of your closest (and possibly slightly inebriated) friends.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
So, what's the takeaway?
Honestly? It's up to you. Is it a whimsical ode to the open sea? A recruiting tool for a slightly less-than-reputable seafaring crew? A battle cry for the working class? The beauty is that it can be all of those things, and more.
That's the magic of "I'm Shipping Up to Boston." It's a song that doesn't take itself too seriously, but it sure knows how to get a party started.
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
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"I'm Shipping Up to Boston" FAQ:
How to sing along without sounding like a banshee? Start slow, enunciate, and embrace the spirit of the song. Confidence is key!
How to avoid a bar brawl while this song is playing? Maintain a healthy distance from mosh pits and spilled drinks.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
How to channel your inner sailor? Invest in a good sea shanty playlist and a striped scarf (because, fashion).
How to convince your friends this song is secretly aboutcendentalism? Good luck, but hey, a spirited debate is always fun.
How to get this song out of your head? Honestly? There's no cure. Just embrace the Dropkick Murphys and set sail for Boston (or wherever your adventures take you).
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