Top 20 Songs by Thin Lizzy: A Definitive Guide
From stadium-rocking anthems to introspective ballads, Thin Lizzy’s discography offers a rich tapestry of sounds and emotions. This list explores the depth and breadth of their work, highlighting the songs that have defined their career and continue to captivate listeners worldwide.
20: The Rocker
Thin Lizzy performing live, showcasing their energetic stage presence.
“The Rocker,” a standout track from Thin Lizzy’s 1973 album Vagabonds Of The Western World, is a raw and energetic anthem that perfectly encapsulates the band’s early spirit. It’s a powerful declaration of rock and roll intent, driven by a relentless rhythm and a fiery guitar riff. Notably, “The Rocker” was one of the few pre-1974 songs that survived in Thin Lizzy’s live sets even after the arrival of guitar duo Brian Robertson and Scott Gorham, replacing Eric Bell. This song laid the groundwork for the band’s signature sound of the mid-to-late 70s, characterized by stylish, swaggering, and undeniably catchy rock anthems. It’s a testament to their early power and a reminder of their formative years.
19: Killer On The Loose
“Killer On The Loose” remains one of Thin Lizzy’s most controversial tracks, primarily due to its unfortunate timing. Released as a single in 1980, it coincided with the intense manhunt for Peter Sutcliffe, infamously known as “The Yorkshire Ripper.” Despite not being inspired by Sutcliffe, the song’s edgy rock energy and title drew criticism, with some press outlets accusing Phil Lynott of exploiting the horrific events for artistic gain. However, controversy aside, “Killer On The Loose” is a potent and driving rock song that showcases Thin Lizzy’s ability to craft compelling narratives within a hard rock framework. Its UK Top 10 success demonstrates its appeal despite the surrounding controversy.
18: Whiskey In The Jar
“Whiskey In The Jar” is a traditional Irish folk song that Thin Lizzy transformed into a hard rock classic. Originally popularized by The Dubliners, the song tells the tale of a highwayman betrayed by his love after robbing a government official. Phil Lynott was drawn to the romantic and rogue-ish nature of the lyrics. While not typical of Thin Lizzy’s original material, their electrifying rendition of “Whiskey In The Jar” earned them their first UK Top 10 hit and an Irish chart-topper in 1973. This song demonstrated their versatility and ability to infuse traditional material with their signature rock energy, broadening their appeal and introducing them to a wider audience.
17: Renegade
The title track from Thin Lizzy’s 1981 album Renegade, this song showcases the band navigating the evolving musical landscape of the early 80s. While Renegade as an album saw the band experimenting with new sounds, the title track retains the core elements of Thin Lizzy’s songwriting prowess. “Renegade” is a melancholic and reflective piece, demonstrating their ability to move beyond hard rock anthems and explore more introspective themes. It stands as one of the album’s strongest moments, alongside tracks like “Hollywood (Down On Your Luck)” and “Mexican Girl,” proving that even as musical trends shifted, Thin Lizzy’s songwriting talent remained undiminished.
16: She Knows
“She Knows,” the opening track from 1974’s Nightlife, is an often-overlooked gem in Thin Lizzy’s catalog. While Nightlife might lack the immediate punch of later albums like Jailbreak, “She Knows” is a perfect example of the album’s understated brilliance. It’s a catchy and accessible song, highlighting the band’s pop sensibilities while still retaining their rock edge. Crucially, “She Knows” marks the first songwriting collaboration between Phil Lynott and guitarist Scott Gorham. Gorham highlighted Lynott’s collaborative spirit, stating that Phil always encouraged band members to contribute to songwriting, fostering a creative environment that went beyond a single dominant writer.
15: Southbound
“Southbound,” a highlight from the 1977 album Bad Reputation, is a reflective and poetic song that tells the story of a traveling musician, much like Thin Lizzy themselves in their early days. Phil Lynott’s lyrics vividly depict the life of a troubadour chasing dreams of fame and fortune, enduring transient experiences on the road. The wistful and evocative lyrics, such as “So tonight after sundown, I’m gonna pack my case/Without a word, without a sound, disappear without a trace,” are beautifully enhanced by Scott Gorham’s melodic guitar work. “Southbound” became a live favorite, its blend of introspection and musicality resonating with audiences.
14: The Sun Goes Down
From Thin Lizzy’s final studio album, 1983’s Thunder And Lightning, “The Sun Goes Down” stands out as a poignant and dignified neo-ballad. Recorded with a refreshed lineup including guitarist John Sykes and keyboardist Darren Wharton alongside Lynott, Gorham, and Downey, Thunder and Lightning leaned towards a heavier, more metal-influenced sound. Despite this shift, “The Sun Goes Down” is a moment of reflection, a pensive track delivered with a palpable sense of resignation. While the album produced minor hits like “Cold Sweat” and the title track, “The Sun Goes Down” is arguably its most enduring and emotionally resonant song.
13: Suicide
“Suicide” had a long gestation period within Thin Lizzy’s live repertoire. Early versions, such as the one captured in the At The BBC collection from July 1973, showcased Eric Bell’s bluesy slide guitar work. However, for its inclusion on 1975’s Fighting, “Suicide” was toughened up and re-arranged, providing Brian Robertson and Scott Gorham, the band’s new guitar duo, with an early opportunity to display their combined firepower. The song’s evolution reflects Thin Lizzy’s dynamic growth and their ability to adapt and enhance their material over time, showcasing the dual guitar attack that would become a hallmark of their sound.
12: Johnny The Fox Meets Jimmy The Weed
“Johnny The Fox Meets Jimmy The Weed,” from the album Johnny The Fox, reveals Thin Lizzy’s diverse musical influences. This atypically funky track was inspired by Phil Lynott’s love for The O’Jays’ Philly soul classic “For The Love Of Money,” particularly the song’s distinctive riff. Scott Gorham recalled Phil playing the funky riff during soundchecks, which eventually evolved into this unique Thin Lizzy song. Brian Downey’s drumming brought a personal funk sensibility to the track, further shaping its distinctive groove. The song’s characters, Johnny The Fox and Jimmy The Weed, were based on real individuals who frequented Lynott’s mother’s hotel in Manchester, adding a layer of personal observation to the song’s narrative.
11: Do Anything You Want To
“Do Anything You Want To,” the opening track from 1979’s Black Rose: A Rock Legend, Thin Lizzy’s only album to feature guitarist Gary Moore, is a quintessential Lizzy anthem. Black Rose is considered one of their strongest albums, and “Do Anything You Want To” sets the tone with its confident and energetic vibe. The song’s infectious energy and anthemic chorus made it a standalone UK Top 20 single. Adding to its charm, the song’s promotional video humorously depicted Phil Lynott as a schoolteacher dealing with an unruly class of students played by his bandmates, showcasing the band’s lighthearted side.
10: Sarah
“Sarah,” a tender and heartfelt ballad from Black Rose: A Rock Legend, is not to be confused with an earlier Thin Lizzy song of the same name. This “Sarah” was written by Phil Lynott upon the birth of his daughter. Originally intended for a solo project, it was ultimately included on Black Rose. Recorded in a separate session with just Lynott, Gary Moore, and session drummer Mark Nauseef, “Sarah” stands apart with its gentler instrumentation and deeply personal lyrics. Its radio-friendly appeal contributed to its success as the album’s third single, reaching the UK Top 30 and showcasing another facet of Lynott’s songwriting.
9: Warriors
“Warriors,” a standout track from the breakthrough album Jailbreak, is one of Thin Lizzy’s most powerful and driving rockers. Phil Lynott’s lyrics pay tribute to iconic musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Duane Allman, figures who lived life on the edge and pushed their artistry to its limits. This theme of musical heroism inspired the band to deliver one of their most dynamic performances. Scott Gorham emphasized the guitar-driven nature of Thin Lizzy’s music, noting that songs like “Warriors” were specifically designed to allow for extensive guitar solos and instrumental interplay, a key element of their signature sound.
8: Jailbreak
“Jailbreak,” the title track from the album of the same name, is arguably Thin Lizzy’s most recognizable song. With its iconic, instantly memorable riff, dueling lead guitars, outlaw-themed lyrics, and massive chorus, “Jailbreak” possesses all the hallmarks of a classic Thin Lizzy track. Now a staple of classic rock radio, it has solidified its place as one of their most enduring songs. Its enduring appeal is evidenced by numerous covers from artists like Bon Jovi, Anthrax, and former Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore, further cementing its status as a rock anthem.
7: Rosalie
“Rosalie,” originally written and performed by Bob Seger, is Thin Lizzy’s energetic tribute to Rosalie Trombley, the influential music director of radio station CKLW-AM in Windsor, Ontario. While Thin Lizzy recorded a punchy studio version for Fighting, their electrifying live rendition from Live And Dangerous is widely considered definitive. This live version, which also cleverly incorporates a snippet of Jailbreak’s “Cowboy Song,” captures the raw energy and excitement of Thin Lizzy in concert, making “Rosalie” a live performance highlight and a fan favorite.
6: Waiting For An Alibi
“Waiting For An Alibi,” the lead single from Black Rose, is infused with a punky energy and features one of Phil Lynott’s most cinematic lyrical narratives. Lines like “Valentino’s got a bookie’s shop and what he takes/He gives for what he’s got” paint a vivid picture of street life and shady characters. The song’s memorable call-and-response chorus and the dynamic guitar interplay between Scott Gorham and Gary Moore make it a high-energy rock anthem. Its radio-friendly appeal propelled it to No.9 in the UK charts, further establishing Thin Lizzy’s mainstream success.
5: Still In Love With You
“Still In Love With You” is undoubtedly Thin Lizzy’s greatest ballad, showcasing their ability to craft emotionally resonant and musically sophisticated songs beyond hard rock anthems. Originally demoed in 1974 with Gary Moore, this song played a crucial role in securing Thin Lizzy’s contract with Polygram Records. The studio version on Nightlife features a duet with Frankie Miller, but the song truly comes alive in live performance. The eight-minute version on Live And Dangerous, embellished by Brian Robertson’s stunning guitar work, is considered the definitive rendition, highlighting the song’s emotional depth and musical brilliance.
4: Don’t Believe A Word
Concise and incredibly catchy, “Don’t Believe A Word” from Johnny The Fox packs a punch in just over two minutes. Its UK No.12 chart peak reflects its immediate commercial appeal. Intriguingly, this anti-love song, with its memorable line “Don’t believe me if I tell you/Especially if I tell you that I’m in love with you,” originated as an acoustic ballad reminiscent of Ben E King’s “Stand By Me.” Brian Downey’s shuffling rhythm and Brian Robertson’s sharp signature riff completely transformed the song into the punchy rock classic we know today, demonstrating the band’s creative evolution and collaborative songwriting process.
3: Emerald
“Emerald,” the spectacular closing track of Jailbreak, is a powerful expression of Phil Lynott’s Irish pride. The fiery lyrics, such as “Down from the glens came the marching men/With their shields and their swords/To fight the fight they believed to be right/Overthrow the overlords,” are among the most vivid and memorable in his entire catalog. Musically, “Emerald” is a tour de force, showcasing the burgeoning guitar chemistry between Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson. Gorham described “Emerald” as the song where their signature dual lead guitar interplay truly began to take shape, setting the stage for their future songwriting collaborations.
2: Dancing In The Moonlight
“Dancing In The Moonlight” showcases Thin Lizzy’s surprising versatility and lightness of touch, a departure from their typical hard rock sound. This enduring 1977 hit is a nostalgic reflection of Phil Lynott’s teenage years in Dublin, infused with a Van Morrison-esque Celtic soul vibe. The song’s gloriously smooth backing track features a seductive saxophone solo by Supertramp’s John Helliwell and a characteristically melodic Scott Gorham guitar solo. “Dancing In The Moonlight” remains a testament to Thin Lizzy’s ability to transcend genre boundaries and create uniquely captivating music.
1: The Boys Are Back In Town
“The Boys Are Back In Town,” the signature hit from the landmark Jailbreak album, is simply unassailable as the quintessential Thin Lizzy song. Overflowing with swagger, energy, and pure joie de vivre, this seemingly timeless rocker is a celebration of camaraderie and macho adventures. Referencing Manchester criminals The Quality Street Gang and patrons of LA’s Rainbow Bar And Grill, Lynott crafted an anthem that resonated globally. “The Boys Are Back In Town” was a game-changer for Thin Lizzy, achieving UK Top 10 status and paving the way for their transatlantic success, solidifying their place in rock history.
Thin Lizzy’s musical legacy extends far beyond these 20 songs, but this list offers a comprehensive entry point into their electrifying world. From hard-rocking anthems to soulful ballads, the songs by Thin Lizzy continue to inspire and captivate, ensuring their place as rock legends for generations to come. Explore their albums, delve deeper into their discography, and discover the enduring magic of Thin Lizzy.
