(F)lannigan’s Ball Songtext
von Dropkick Murphys

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 Florian 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
McCauliffes and Daleys, courtin′ the girls and dancing away

Brian Tully sang out in his finest form
The patrons 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 when young Dennis Flemming
Put his right leg through Miss Finneran's hoops


This girl 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
Meself took a lick from mean Richard Green
But I soon replied to that fine introduction
And gave him a terrible kick in the spleen!

Colin the piper nearly got strangled
They squeezed on his bellows, chanters and all
The girls in the middle nearly got trampled
And that put an 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