In November, I already wrote about the band Dropkick Murphys when I talked about the song “The Lonesome Boatman“, and at that time, I promised to share the story of the song that marked my introduction to this band. Well, the time has come.
The band was formed in 1996 in Boston and belongs to the Celtic Punk genre.
The band’s name is a tribute to wrestler John Murphy, nicknamed “Dropkick” (a term for a jumping kick), who helped rehabilitate down-and-out boxers and became something of a legend in Boston.
Although the band was formed in 1996, real fame came to them in 2005. It was in this year that they recorded the song “I’m Shipping Up to Boston”, which became the main theme of Martin Scorsese’s film The Departed, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. This song also made it into their new, fifth album of the same year, The Warrior’s Code.
And from there, their career skyrocketed.
It was precisely with the song “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” that I became acquainted with the band. I have a deep love for Celtic folk motifs (Irish and Scottish melodies), and when combined with a bold modern arrangement—it was a perfect hit for me.
Apart from The Departed, this song has been used in many shows, series, and films, and was even featured in the soundtrack of the NHL 11 game.
Although the lyrics are simple (the entire text is conveyed in one phrase: “I’m a sailor peg, and I’ve lost my leg climbing up the top sail, and now I’m shipping up to Boston to find my wooden leg”), this particular song made me a fan of the band. Moreover, for many years, it became my primary ringtone on my phone. Now, every time I suddenly hear it, my first instinct is to reach for my phone. 🙂
In short, I absolutely adore this song:
