White Lightning

George Jones

About White Lightning

"White Lightning" is a song written by the rockabilly artist J. P. Richardson, best known by his stage name, the Big Bopper. The song was recorded by American country music artist George Jones and released as a single in February 1959. On April 13, 1959, Jones' version was the first number-one single of his career. The song has since been covered by numerous artists.


Year:
2006
2:46
50 

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Well, in the North of 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
And then you'd fill him a jug and he'd pass it around
Mighty, mighty pleasin', pappy's corn squeezin'
Ssh, white lightning

Well, the "G" men, "T" men, revenuers, too
Searchin' for the place where he made his brew
They were looking, tryin to book him, but my pappy kept on cookin'
Phoo, white lightning

Well, I asked my old pappy why he called his brew
White lightning 'stead of mountain dew
I took a little sip and right away I knew
As my eyes bugged out and my face turned blue
Lightning started flashin', thunder started clashin' 
Fshhh, white lightnin'

Well, the "G" men, "T" men, revenuers, too
Searchin' for the place where he made his brew
They were looking, tryin to book him but my pappy kept on cookin'
Whshh, white lightning

Well, a city slicker came and he said "I'm tough"
I think I want to taste that powerful stuff
He took one s-slug and drank it right down
And I heard him a-moaning as he hit the ground
Mighty, mighty pleasin', your pappy's corn squeezin'
Sshoo, white lightning

The "G" men, "T" men, revenuers, too
Searchin' for the place where he made his brew
They were looking, tryin' to book him but my pappy kept on cookin'
Sshoo, white lightning

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George Jones

George Glenn Jones (born September 12, 1931) is an American country music singer known for his long list of hit records, his distinctive voice and phrasing, and his marriage to Tammy Wynette. more »

12 fans

Written by: J.P. Richardson

Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, GLAD MUSIC CO.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Writers and Inspiration
"White Lightning" was written by J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson in 1959.
Vocals and Performance
The song "White Lightning" is famously sung by American country singer George Jones. - It was one of George Jones’ first number-one country hits. - Jones was reportedly drunk during his recording of the song, which took over 80 takes.
Song Content
The song tells the story of a moonshiner in the American South. - Its title, "White Lightning", is a slang term for homemade whiskey or moonshine.
Chart Success
"White Lightning" eventually became a hit, reaching the top position on the Billboard country singles charts.
Timing and Release
The release of "White Lightning" by George Jones in 1959 came tragically just a few months after The Big Bopper had died in a plane crash.
Popular Covers
The song has been covered by numerous other artists over the years, including country music star Hank Williams Jr.
Cultural Impact
It is considered a classic of the country genre and is one of George Jones’ signature songs. - "White Lightning" has been included on numerous compilation albums and is a staple in live performances.
Video and Film
The music video of "White Lightning" has gained millions of views on YouTube. - The song was featured in the film "Crazy Heart" starring Jeff Bridges.
Recording Issues
According to music industry lore, George Jones had trouble with the tongue-twisting lyrics of the song due to his inebriation. He supposedly took around 80 takes to get it right, making it one of the most time-consuming songs he ever recorded.
Song Legacy
Despite its challenging recording process, "White Lightning" remains an icon in country music history, demonstrating Jones’ versatility as an artist and performer, and it remains one of his most enduring hits.

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    White Lightning

    3.2M
    19,843     612

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1959

    Billboard #73


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