Steve Earle – Copperhead Road

Steve Earle - Copperhead Road (Official Music Video)

About the song

In the realm of American music, few artists have captured the essence of the American South with the raw honesty and poetic grit of Steve Earle. His music, a blend of country, rock, and folk influences, has chronicled the struggles and triumphs of the working class, the marginalized, and the forgotten voices of society. Among his vast repertoire of poignant songs, one stands out as a definitive anthem of the South: “Copperhead Road”.

Released in 1988 as the title track of his album of the same name, “Copperhead Road” is a Southern Gothic masterpiece that weaves a tale of desperation, redemption, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Set against the backdrop of the post-Vietnam War South, the song follows the story of Tom, a Vietnam veteran struggling to find his place in a world that has moved on without him. Haunted by the ghosts of his past and driven by a desperate need for survival, Tom turns to growing marijuana on his family’s land, a decision that sets him on a collision course with both the law and his own troubled past.

Earle’s songwriting in “Copperhead Road” is nothing short of masterful. He paints vivid imagery with his words, transporting the listener to the dusty backroads and sun-drenched fields of the American South. The lyrics are infused with a poetic sensibility that elevates the song beyond mere storytelling, transforming it into a poignant meditation on the human condition.

The song’s musical arrangement is equally compelling, perfectly complementing the lyrical depth and emotional resonance of Earle’s vocals. The driving beat, punctuated by the twang of Earle’s guitar, provides an irresistible foundation, while the interplay of fiddle, mandolin, and harmonica adds layers of texture and warmth, creating a soundscape that evokes the heart and soul of the American South.

“Copperhead Road” is more than just a song; it is a cultural touchstone, a reflection of the South’s complex history and the resilience of its people. It is a song that speaks to the struggles of the working class, the marginalized, and those who have been dealt a difficult hand in life. Yet, amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope, a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and find redemption.

Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road” is a timeless classic, a song that continues to resonate with listeners across generations. It is a reminder of the power of music to connect us to our shared humanity, to shed light on the struggles of others, and to inspire hope in the face of despair.

Video

Lyrics

Well, my name’s John Lee PettimoreSame as my daddy and his daddy beforeYou hardly ever saw grandaddy down hereHe only came to town about twice a yearHe’d buy a hundred pounds of yeast and some copper lineEverybody knew that he made moonshine
Now the revenue man wanted frandaddy badHeaded up the holler with everything he hadBefore my time, but I’ve been toldHe never come back from Copperhead Road
Now daddy ran the whiskey in a big block DodgeBought it at an auction at the Mason’s Lodge“Johnson County Sheriff” painted on the sideJust shot a coat of primer, then he looked insideWell, him and my uncle tore that engine downI still remember that rumblin’ sound
And then the Sheriff came around in the middle of the nightHeard mama crying, knew something wasn’t rightHe was headed down to Knoxville with the weekly loadYou could smell the whiskey burnin’ down Copperhead Road
Hey!Hey! Hey!
I volunteered for the Army on my birthdayThey drafted the white trash first, around here anywayI done two tour’s of duty in VietnamI came home with a brand new planI take the seed from Colombia and MexicoI just plant it up the holler down Copperhead Road
And now the D.E.A’s got a chopper in the airI wake up screaming like I’m back over thereI learnt a thing or two from Charlie, don’t you knowYou better stay away from Copperhead Road
Copperhead RoadCopperhead RoadHa! Copperhead Road