Moonshiner
Forrest Bob Lyrics
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For seventeen long years
I've spent all my money
On whiskey and beer
I go to some hollow
And sit at my still
And if whiskey don't kill me
I go to some barroom
And drink with my friends
Where the women can't follow
And see what I spend
God bless them pretty women
I wish they was mine
Their breath is as sweet
The dew on the vine
Let me eat when I am hungry
Let me drink when I am dry
A dollar when I am 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
Bob Dylan recorded the song “Moonshiner” in 1963 but it has been in circulation in various forms for at least a century. It's considered to be one of the most powerful songs from the folk era of music. The lyrics of the song are from the perspective of a moonshiner who has been doing the job for the last seventeen years. He has spent all the money on whiskey and beer. The moonshiner is aware that his life is not going in the right direction and is aware of the consequences of drinking heavily. He is aware that he could die anytime due to his heavy drinking.
In the song, the moonshiner is looking for a way out of his situation but is not sure how to find it. He goes on to ponder about life and its worth, moving away from his own issues for a while. The lyrics speak to the deep human tendency to seek release from one's routine life, often through vice or distraction. Bob Dylan's version of the song showcases his ability to adapt timeless songs to a contemporary audience.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been a moonshiner
I have spent my time producing and drinking illegal alcohol
For seventeen long years
I have been doing this for a significant amount of time
I've spent all my money
I have used up all my funds
On whiskey and beer
In buying these intoxicants
I go to some hollow
I visit an isolated location
And sit at my still
I spend my time distilling alcohol
And if whiskey don't kill me
If consuming this alcohol does not damage me
Then I don't know what will
I don't know what can harm me
I go to some barroom
I visit a public establishment where liquor is available
And drink with my friends
I consume alcohol in the company of acquaintances
Where the women can't follow
Where females are not allowed to access
And see what I spend
And observe my expenses
God bless them pretty women
I appreciate attractive ladies
I wish they was mine
I desire to own them
Their breath is as sweet
Their exhalation is as pleasant
The dew on the vine
As the moisture on grapes
Let me eat when I am hungry
Give me food as needed
Let me drink when I am dry
Provide me with liquid after I'm dehydrated
A dollar when I am hard-up
Some cash when I'm in dire financial straits
Religion when I die
Spiritual salvation at the time of my demise
The whole world's a bottle
The planet is akin to a container of liquor
And life's but a dram
And existence is comparable to a small amount of alcohol
When the bottle gets empty
When the container is devoid of alcohol
It sure ain't worth a damn
It has no real worth
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JAY STUART FARRAR, JEFF TWEEDY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nox.INk# Records ❶
A classic masterpiece!
Adam White
this version is a piece of jewel, thanks for uploading it!
Diego Casta
A beautiful tribute to Bob Dylan, a legend of music
Mario G
this is a awesome version , just brings chills to me..
Örjan Grahn
This soundtrack is silly good in so many ways and needed two cds for the 34 songs.
Bruce MacNaughton
this is as good as it gets. best performance on the album, and it's a great album. the title tune is a close second.
goodbadugly16
mr. forrest is one of the most under-appreciated artists of his generation
StrangeSonoran80
Moonshiner is just one of those songs you can instantly make your own.
captain-cooked
A great version, grateful to hear it.
Vinyl Diary666
Forrest is so fucking underrated! Such a great artist!