Lyrics Got Loud

"I'm Shipping Up to Boston" is one of the most iconic songs by the American Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys. It was released on their 2005 album The Warrior’s Code and quickly became synonymous with Boston's identity, particularly its Irish-American culture. The song stands out for its fusion of punk rock energy with traditional Irish folk music, underscored by the use of instruments like the banjo, bagpipes, and accordion.

Writers and Composition

The lyrics of "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" were written by Woody Guthrie, the legendary American folk singer-songwriter. The band discovered the lyrics while going through Guthrie’s extensive archives. Guthrie, who wrote prolifically throughout his career, had penned the words but never set them to music. The Dropkick Murphys composed the music, transforming the unfinished Guthrie piece into a powerful anthem.

Release and Chart Position

The song was released on June 21, 2005, as part of the band's fifth studio album, The Warrior’s Code. While it did not initially chart on major pop charts, it became widely popular and received significant airplay on alternative rock and punk stations. Its cultural impact far outweighed its chart performance, helping to solidify Dropkick Murphys’ reputation as a leading force in punk rock and Celtic punk music.

Cultural Relevance

"I'm Shipping Up to Boston" has become an unofficial anthem for the city of Boston, particularly for its sports teams and its Irish-American community. The song gained massive popularity when it was featured in Martin Scorsese's 2006 film The Departed. The film, which is set in Boston and explores themes of loyalty and betrayal, resonated deeply with the city’s residents, and the song’s inclusion helped it gain an iconic status.

The song's connection to Boston sports culture is also profound. It has been used extensively in promotional materials and at games for the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, and New England Patriots. The high-energy, rebellious spirit of the song makes it an ideal soundtrack for sports events, especially in a city known for its passionate and sometimes rowdy fans.

Appearances in Media

Aside from The Departed, "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" has been featured in numerous television shows, movies, and commercials. Some notable appearances include:

• The Simpsons: The song was used in the episode "The Town," which parodies Boston sports culture.
• The Fighter: This 2010 biographical drama about boxer Micky Ward, another Boston native, features the song.
• The Black Donnellys: The song was featured prominently in this TV series that focused on Irish-American brothers involved in organized crime in New York City.
• The Simpsons Movie: A brief snippet of the song can be heard in this 2007 film.

The song's relentless energy and strong association with Boston have made it a go-to track for any media project looking to evoke a sense of gritty, blue-collar determination.

Song Meaning and Interpretation

The lyrics of "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" tell the story of a sailor who has lost his leg and is heading to Boston to find a wooden replacement. The chorus is simple yet powerful:

"I'm shipping up to Boston (whoa-oh-oh)
I'm shipping up to Boston (whoa-oh-oh)
I'm shipping up to Boston (whoa-oh-oh)
I'm shipping off... to find my wooden leg"

The narrative reflects the resilience and determination often associated with the Irish immigrant experience in America. The character's quest for a wooden leg can be interpreted as a metaphor for overcoming adversity and rebuilding oneself after a loss. The repetitive, anthemic nature of the lyrics emphasizes the relentless drive of the character, which can be seen as a broader reflection of the working-class ethos.

In interviews, the band has spoken about how they were drawn to Guthrie's lyrics because of their simplicity and their ability to evoke a strong visual image. The idea of a sailor shipping up to Boston to find a wooden leg is both absurd and poignant, fitting well with the band’s often ironic and defiant style.

Ken Casey, one of the band’s founding members, has noted that the song’s meaning is somewhat ambiguous, allowing listeners to project their interpretations onto it. This flexibility is part of what has made the song so enduring—it can be about a physical journey, an emotional quest, or a metaphorical struggle.

Recording Facts and Interesting Anecdotes

The recording of "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" was part of the sessions for The Warrior’s Code, which took place at The Outpost in Stoughton, Massachusetts. The band wanted the song to be a high-energy track that would get listeners moving, so they focused on creating a driving rhythm and infectious melody.

One interesting fact is that the band initially wasn’t sure if the song would resonate with their audience. The use of banjo and bagpipes was a slight departure from their usual sound, but the risk paid off. The song’s infectious energy and catchy chorus made it an instant hit at live shows, and it quickly became one of the band’s most requested songs.

Controversies

There haven’t been any significant controversies directly associated with "I'm Shipping Up to Boston." However, the song’s frequent use in sports arenas and commercials has sometimes led to debates about the commercialization of punk music. Some fans feel that the song’s widespread use, especially in corporate settings, dilutes its original rebellious spirit. Nevertheless, the band has embraced the song’s popularity, seeing it as a testament to its broad appeal.

Notable Cover Versions

"I'm Shipping Up to Boston" has inspired several cover versions, though few have matched the energy and impact of the original. Some of the more notable covers include:

• Dropkick Murphys’ Acoustic Version: The band themselves have performed an acoustic version of the song in live settings, stripping it down to its folk roots.
• Los Fastidios: This Italian street punk band released a cover of the song, adding their unique spin with lyrics in Italian.
• Uilleann Pipes Version: Some Irish folk musicians have covered the song using traditional instruments like the Uilleann pipes, highlighting the song's Celtic influences.
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Legacy

"I'm Shipping Up to Boston" remains one of Dropkick Murphys’ most enduring songs. Its association with Boston, its use in The Departed, and its adoption by sports teams have ensured that it will be played for years to come. The song has become a symbol of resilience, rebellion, and the enduring spirit of the city of Boston. Its continued popularity, nearly two decades after its release, is a testament to its power as both a musical composition and a cultural touchstone.

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