Going Out In Style

Dropkick Murphys' song "Going Out In Style" is a raucous celebration of life and an unapologetic embrace of death. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man reflecting on his life, filled with adventures, mistakes, and memorable encounters. The narrator has seen the world through "sad, old, jaded eyes," indicating a life lived to the fullest, albeit with its share of regrets and missteps. The song's tone is both nostalgic and defiant, capturing the essence of someone who has lived boldly and intends to leave the world in the same manner.

The song's central theme revolves around the idea of throwing a grand party as a final farewell. The narrator imagines inviting everyone from friends and family to notable figures like Mayor Menino and Van Morrison. This imagined gathering is a mix of heartfelt apologies and humorous anecdotes, showcasing the narrator's complex relationships and the colorful characters that have populated his life. The lyrics are filled with cultural references and local color, grounding the song in a specific community and time, making it relatable and vivid.

The chorus, with its repeated lines about being buried with an enemy, soaked in whiskey, and burned to a crisp, underscores the narrator's irreverent attitude towards death. He doesn't care about the traditional solemnities of funerals; instead, he wants his send-off to be as lively and unconventional as his life. The repeated refrain, "I could really give a shit - I'm going out in style," encapsulates this defiance and desire to be remembered on his own terms. The song is a testament to living life unapologetically and facing death with the same fearless spirit.