Moonshiner
Punch Brothers
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I've been a moonshiner for seventeen long years I spend all of my money on whisky and beer I'll go down to some hollow and set up my still I'll sell you a gallon for a ten dollar bill. I go to some bar room and drink with my friends Where the women can't follow and see what I spend God bless that pretty women, I wish she was mine 'Cause her breath is as sweet as the dew on the vine. Let me eat when I'm hungry, let me drink when I'm dry A dollar when I'm hard up, religion when I die The whole world's a bottle and life's but a dram When the bottle gets empty it sure ain't worth a damn. I've been a moonshiner for seventeen long years I spend all of my money on whisky and beer I'll go down to some hollow and set up my still And if whisky don't kill me then I don't know what will.
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Written by: BILL SHEPHERD, . TRADITIONAL
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Origins"Moonshiner" is a traditional folk song that isn’t linked to one particular musician. It's uncertain who wrote the song, but its roots lay somewhere in the American folk tradition.
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Versions by Different ArtistsVarious artists, including Cat Power, Punch Brothers, Rumbleseat, The Clancy Brothers, and even Bob Dylan, recorded their own versions of the song. Each artist brings a distinct sound, which changes the vibe of the song.
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About Cat Power VersionCat Power is the stage name for Chan Marshall, who included "Moonshiner" on her 1996 album “Myra Lee.” Her version has a slow, haunting quality, embodying the sadness and pain contained in the lyrics.
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About Punch Brothers VersionPunch Brothers, who are known for their acoustic and often experimental sound, released their version of "Moonshiner" on the EP “Ahoy!” in 2012. This rendition has a bluegrass flavor, showcasing the musical prowess of the band.
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About Rumbleseat VersionRumbleseat is a side project from members of punk rock band Hot Water Music. Their version of “Moonshiner” introduces a unique energy to the song and is included in the album "Rumbleseat Is Dead” in 2005.
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About The Clancy Brothers VersionThe Clancy Brothers are an Irish folk band who popularized many traditional Irish songs in the mid-20th century. Their version of "Moonshiner" is classic folk, brimming with strong, mournful vocals and their signature traditional instrumentation.
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Theme of the SongThe song lyrics reveal the lament of a moonshiner, or an illegal alcohol distiller, who expresses a life full of sorrow, maintaining a theme of despair, poverty, and alcohol addiction.
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Connection to Irish FolkWhile the song is usually considered an American folk staple, some versions, especially The Clancy Brothers', have a decidedly Irish folk vibe. It could be due to Ireland's own history with moonshining and illegal distillation.
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PopularityThe enduring popularity of "Moonshiner" across generations of artists demonstrates the timeless appeal of traditional folk music. The song has been recognized for its profound lyrics and the versatile melody that allows artists to interpret in their individual styles.
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Live PerformancesMany artists have performed their versions of "Moonshiner" in live concerts. These performances are often stripped back and centered around the raw, emotional lyrics, adding new layers of interpretation to the original song.
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Citation
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"Moonshiner Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 5 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/28112356/Punch+Brothers/Moonshiner>.
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