Behan is frequently mentioned in works of popular culture. His work has been a significant influence in the writings of Shane MacGowan, and he is the subject of "Streams of Whiskey", a song by The Pogues. The Pogues song "Thousands Are Sailing" features the lyric "and in Brendan Behan's footsteps / I danced up and down the street". Behan is also referenced in Damien Dempsey's 'Jar Song'. Behan's version of the third verse of "The Internationale", from "Borstal Boy", was reproduced on the LP sleeve of Dexys Midnight Runners's debut album, "Searching for the Young Soul Rebels".