Rocktober '00s Song #12: "Drunken Lullabies" by Flogging Molly (2002)

Today's aughts song is from Celtic punk mainstays Flogging Molly.  The band was formed by lead singer Dave King, who had started off as a metal singer, fronting the '80s metal band Fastway and early '90s metal band Kathmandu.  After that, he got a record deal for a solo record, but got pushback from the record label when he wanted to include traditional Irish instruments.  He got out of that record deal and then formed a band in LA that had traditional Irish instruments and a Celtic feel.  They built up a strong following based on their live shows at a bar called Molly Malone's.  They took their name from the bar and the fact that they felt like they "were flogging it to death" at the bar when they played.

Flogging Molly released four albums in the '00s and built up a loyal fanbase.  Having seen them multiple times, I can attest that their live shows are fantastic.  If you get the chance to see them live, do it, even if you don't know any of their songs.

2002's Drunken Lullabies was the band's second studio album, and its title track is probably my favorite Flogging Molly song.  It's a fast-paced Celtic punk song with poetic lyrics you'd expect from an Irish band.  The song has been on my St. Patrick's Day playlist for as long as I started making a St. Patrick's Day playlist, and it just reminds me of Guinness, friends, and the joy of St. Patrick's Day celebrations, as well as the coming of warmer weather.