You need a better soundtrack to St. Patrick's Day than marching bands, yet another Pogues covers group and the guy next to you at the bar belching through a couple dozen green beers.

Since the holiday is all about enjoying a few of your favorite adult beverages, here's a rundown of some choice drinking tunes.

Pass the bottle, and let's go.

Thin Lizzy, "Whiskey in the Jar"

"Musha ring dum a doo dum a da / Whack for my daddy-o / Whack for my daddy-o." Yeah, we're not sure what any of it means either, and who really cares? Coming from Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott, whose voice warms your bones like a double shot of bourbon, this tune will have you hoisting a pint regardless.

Dropkick Murphys, "Barroom Hero"

Everyone knows that guy at the bar who acts like he grows a foot taller with every beer. This heart-pounding, bagpipe-inflected sing-along will bring the inner Evander Holyfield out of any barroom warrior quicker than a couple of Jager bombs.

Merle Haggard, "I Think I'll JUST Stay Here and Drink"

There's never been a tear in Haggard's beer. Ever. The ornery cuss could chop up a 10-story onion while getting his legs amputated and not well up. On this tough-as-nails tune, Haggard chooses whiskey over his quarrelsome lady. Doin' wrong never sounded so right.

Guns N' Roses, "Nightrain"

Cheap booze may be bad for the liver, but it's good for the soul -- at least according to noted self-help guru/philosopher Axl Rose. High times and low standards form the basis of this 100-proof rocker, which is pretty much a hangover with cowbell.

Loretta Lynn, "Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)"

A cautionary tale, wherein Lynn warns of the angry missus waiting at home after a long night of whiskey sours. "Liquor and love / They just don't mix," she croons like a little angel perched on your shoulder, letting you know when enough's enough -- lest you want to end up crashing on the sofa with the cat.

George Thoroughgood, "I Drink Alone"

This ode to liquid breakfasts and getting sauced in solitude is for anyone who prefers Coors to conversation. And really, who needs friends when you've got Thoroughgood's loudmouthed guitar to keep you company? Besides, you can never be lonely when Mr. Jim Beam is in the house.

Snoop Doggy Dogg, "Gin And Juice"

This drunken classic sounds like a good buzz feels: warm, lazy and anesthetizing. With a slow and low bassline that eases tension away like one long shoulder massage, Snoop rhymes about getting loaded in his parent's living room until the sun comes up. As essential to any house party as the keys to dad's liquor cabinet.

-- By JASON BRACELIN