1991
Kenneth M. Snoeck Lyrics
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Get you a copper coil.
Fill it with new made corn mash
And never more you′ll toil.
You'll just lay there by the juniper,
While the moon is bright.
Watch them jugs a-filling
Build you a fire with hickory,
Hickory, ash, and oak.
Don′t use no green or rotten wood,
It'll get you by the smoke.
We'll just lay there by the juniper,
While the moon is bright.
Watch them jugs a-filling
In the pale moonlight.
My daddy, he made whiskey.
My granddaddy, he did too.
We ain′t paid no whiskey tax
Since 1792.
We′ll just lay there by the juniper,
While the moon is bright.
Watch them jugs a-filling
In the pale moonlight.
The lyrics to Kenneth M. Snoeck's song "1991" depict the process of making moonshine, a type of homemade distilled alcohol. The song refers to the traditional method of distillation using a copper kettle and coil. The singer advises to fill the copper kettle with new-made corn mash, which is a mixture of ground corn and water, indicating that this is where the moonshine is brewed. The use of copper is important in the distillation process as it helps in removing impurities and producing a smoother-tasting spirit.
The lyrics suggest that making moonshine is a labor-intensive task, as indicated by the phrase "never more you'll toil." However, the song also emphasizes the tranquil nature of the process. It describes laying by the juniper, a reference to a tree often associated with moonshine production, and watching the jugs being filled with the distilled spirit under the bright moonlight. This creates a serene and almost mystical atmosphere.
Furthermore, the lyrics allude to the history of moonshining, mentioning that the singer's father and grandfather were also involved in producing whiskey. The line "We ain't paid no whiskey tax since 1792" suggests a rebellious nature, as moonshiners historically operated outside the bounds of legal regulations and taxation. This adds a layer of pride and defiance to the song, highlighting the moonshiner's resistance against government control.
Overall, "1991" portrays the artistry, craftsmanship, and legacy associated with moonshine-making, while evoking a sense of unity with nature and a connection to family heritage.
Line by Line Meaning
Get you a copper kettle,
Acquire a copper kettle,
Get you a copper coil.
Acquire a copper coil.
Fill it with new made corn mash
Pour the kettle with freshly produced corn mash
And never more you'll toil.
And you'll never have to work hard again.
You'll just lay there by the juniper,
You'll simply recline near the juniper plant,
While the moon is bright.
As long as the moon shines brightly.
Watch them jugs a-filling
Observe the containers getting filled
In the pale moonlight.
Under the faint glow of the moonlight.
Build you a fire with hickory,
Construct a fire using hickory wood,
Hickory, ash, and oak.
Hickory, ash, and oak must be used.
Don't use no green or rotten wood,
Avoid employing any green or decayed wood,
It'll get you by the smoke.
Otherwise, the smoke will give you away.
We'll just lay there by the juniper,
We will simply recline near the juniper plant,
While the moon is bright.
As long as the moon shines brightly.
Watch them jugs a-filling
Observe the containers getting filled
In the pale moonlight.
Under the faint glow of the moonlight.
My daddy, he made whiskey.
My father produced whiskey.
My granddaddy, he did too.
My grandfather also did the same.
We ain't paid no whiskey tax
We have not paid any taxes on whiskey
Since 1792.
Since the year 1792.
We'll just lay there by the juniper,
We will simply recline near the juniper plant,
While the moon is bright.
As long as the moon shines brightly.
Watch them jugs a-filling
Observe the containers getting filled
In the pale moonlight.
Under the faint glow of the moonlight.
Writer(s): Frank A Beddoe
Contributed by Mateo F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@JenFronzDye
my heart still wears the gold from that year. Fronz - fluteline 91-94