The Moonshiner

Tommy Makem, The Clancy Brothers

About The Moonshiner

"The Moonshiner" is a folk song with disputed origins. It is catalogued as Roud Folk Song Index No. 4301. Some believe that the song originated in America, then later was made famous in Ireland. Others believe that it was the other way around. The Clancy Brothers stated on their recording that the song is of Irish origin, but again, this is disputed. Delia Murphy was singing it in Ireland from the late 1930s. American country music singer Tex Ritter is famous for a song of similar tune and lyrics by the title "Jack of Diamonds" from as early as 1933. Bob Dylan recorded "Moonshiner" in 1963; this version was released on The Bootleg Series Volumes 1-3 (Rare & Unreleased) 1961-1991. The song has also been performed by Elliott Smith, Cat Power, Rumbleseat, Cast Iron Filter, Peter Rowan, Railroad Earth, Bob Forrest, Roscoe Holcomb, Uncle Tupelo, Jeffrey Foucault, The Tallest Man On Earth, Tim Hardin, Charlie Parr, Punch Brothers, Redbird, Robert Francis, Scorpios, Dave Van Ronk, Ekoostik Hookah and Moriarty. Lost Dog street band, Jodi James and Clay Parker. 


Year:
2013
3:15
25 
#1

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I've been a moonshiner for many a year 
And I've spent all me money on whiskey and beer
I'll go to some hollow and I'll set up my still
And I'll make you a gallon for a ten shilling bill

[Chorus:]

I'm a rambler, I'm a gambler, 
I'm a long way from home
And if you don't like me 
You can leave me alone
I'll eat when I'm hungry 
And I'll drink when I'm dry
And if moonshine don't kill me 
I'll live till I die

I'll go to some hollow in this country
Ten gallons of wash and I'll go on a spree
No woman to follow and the world is all mine
I love none so well as I love the moonshine

Moonshine dear moonshine oh how I love thee
You killed my poor father but dare you kill me
Bless all moonshiners and bless all moonshine
For their breath smells as sweet as the dew on the vine

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The Clancy Brothers

The Clancy Brothers were an influential Irish folk music singing group. Most popular in the 1960s, they were famed for their woolly Aran jumpers and are widely credited with popularizing Irish traditional music in the United States. The brothers were Patrick "Paddy" Clancy, Tom Clancy, Bobby Clancy and Liam Clancy. Paddy, Tom, Bob, and Liam are best known for their work with Tommy Makem, recording dozens of albums together as The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. They were a primary influence on a young Bob Dylan and on many other emerging artists. more »

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Written by: TRADITIONAL, J BAIRD, PD TRADITIONAL

Lyrics © Royalty Network

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Background
"The Moonshiner" is a song performed by The Clancy Brothers, a popular Irish folk music group.
Origin
The song is of Irish-American origin, and is considered a traditional folk song.
Composition
The exact composer of "The Moonshiner" is unknown due to its traditional folk origins, but The Clancy Brothers were famous for their rendition of the song.
Lyrics
It tells the story of a man who prefers the life of making and drinking moonshine, seeing it as freedom compared to the tasks of ordinary jobs.
Release Date
The Clancy Brothers version of the song was released as part of their album "The Boys Won't Leave the Girls Alone" in 1962.
Legacy
"The Moonshiner" is part of a rich tradition of Irish and Irish-American folk music, and The Clancy Brothers' version is known for its humor and light-hearted perspective on a man's illegal moonshine making.
Influence
The song has been covered by numerous artists, ranging from Bob Dylan to Elliot Murphy, indicating its influence on multiple generations of musicians.
Popular Culture
"The Moonshiner" song has been used in the soundtrack for feature films like "Transamerica" and TV shows such as "Treadstone".
Arrangement
The Clancy Brothers’ rendition of the song includes several verses sung to a lively melody, typical of their playful folk style.
Instrumentation
The track features acoustic instruments which are characteristic of Irish folk music, including the guitar and banjo.
Group History
The Clancy Brothers were among the first groups to popularize Irish folk music in the United States and across the world, influencing many future artists in the genre.
Importance
The Clancy Brothers performance of "The Moonshiner" reflects both the struggle and resilience of the Irish people, remaining a popular and acknowledged folk song till today.

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