About the song
“White Lightning” is a country song that tells the story of a man who is addicted to moonshine. The song is a cautionary tale about the dangers of alcohol abuse, and it has been praised for its powerful lyrics and its haunting melody.
The song begins with Jones singing about how he first started drinking moonshine. He describes it as being “sweet and clear” and “like liquid fire.” He quickly becomes addicted to the drink, and he begins to drink it more and more.
The song’s chorus is a simple but effective warning about the dangers of moonshine: “White lightning, white lightning, it’ll burn your eyes out. White lightning, white lightning, it’ll kill you if you drink it.“
The rest of the song tells the story of the man’s descent into alcoholism. He loses his job, his family, and his home. He ends up living on the streets, and he is eventually found dead in a ditch.
“White Lightning” is a powerful and disturbing song about the dangers of alcohol abuse. It is a classic country song that has been covered by many artists, including Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson.
Here are some additional details about the song:
- Genre: Country
- Release Date: 1959
- Album: White Lightning
- Label: Mercury Records
- Songwriters: J.P. Richardson
- Producer: Pappy Daily
- Music Video Director: N/A
Critical Reception:
- “White Lightning” was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 67 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- The song was praised for its powerful lyrics and its haunting melody.
Commercial Success:
- “White Lightning” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 67 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- The song was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1960.
Legacy:
- “White Lightning” is a classic country song that has been covered by many artists, including Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson.
- The song is considered to be one of the greatest country songs of all time.
Video
Lyrics
“White Lightning”
Well in North Carolina way back in the hills me and my old pappy and he had him a still
He brewed white lightnin till the sun went down
Then he’d fill up a jug and he’d pass it around
Mighty mighty pleasin my pappy’s corn squeezin (whew white lightnin)
Well the G men T men revenoers too searchin for the place where he made his brew
They were lookin tryin’ to book him but my pappy kept on cookin
(Whew white lightnin)
Well I asked my old pappy why he called his brew
White lightnin stead of mountain dew
I took a little sip and right away I knew
And my eyes bugged out and my face turned blue
Light has started flashin thunder started krashin (whew white lightnin)
Well the G men T men…
Well a city slicker came and he said I’m tough
I think I want to taste that powerful stuff
He took one slug and he drank it right down I heard him moanin’ as he hit the ground
Mighty mighty pleasin you’r pappy’s corn squeezin (whew white lightnin)
Well the G men T men.