1991
Nehuda 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 Nehuda's song "1991" depict a scene from the American moonshining tradition. Moonshine refers to illegally distilled homemade alcohol, typically made in remote areas to avoid taxation and regulations. The song describes the process of making moonshine in detail, with references to the equipment and ingredients used.
The opening lines, "Get you a copper kettle, Get you a copper coil. Fill it with new made corn mash and never more you'll toil," suggest the importance of using specific materials in the moonshine production process. Copper kettles and coils are crucial for distillation, as they help purify and concentrate the alcohol. The mention of "never more you'll toil" alludes to the possibilities of financial gain and freedom from hard labor that moonshining offered in certain circumstances.
The lyrics then describe the activity of moonshiners enjoying the process. They lay by the juniper (a type of tree), basking in the bright moonlight while watching the jugs slowly fill with moonshine. This highlights the pleasure and satisfaction derived from creating and consuming their own illicit alcohol.
The last verse introduces the family legacy of moonshining. The singer proudly states that both their father and grandfather were involved in this illegal practice. The line "We ain't paid no whiskey tax since 1792" refers to the long-standing avoidance of paying taxes on the whiskey they produce. This proudly declares defiance against the government's attempts to regulate their operations.
Overall, "1991" captures the nostalgia and pride associated with moonshining, celebrating the rebellion against authority and the sense of community that often surrounded this hidden tradition.
Line by Line Meaning
Get you a copper kettle,
Acquire a pot made of copper.
Get you a copper coil.
Obtain a tube made of copper.
Fill it with new made corn mash
Pour freshly-made corn mixture into it.
And never more you'll toil.
And you won't work hard anymore.
You'll just lay there by the juniper,
You'll simply lie down beside the juniper plant.
While the moon is bright.
During a time when the moon is full and illuminating.
Watch them jugs a-filling
Observe the containers being filled.
In the pale moonlight.
Under the soft, dim light of the moon.
Build you a fire with hickory,
Construct a fire using hickory wood.
Hickory, ash, and oak.
Utilize hickory, ash, and oak as fuel.
Don't use no green or rotten wood,
Do not employ wood that is green or deteriorated.
It'll get you by the smoke.
It will prevent you from being detected by the smoke.
My daddy, he made whiskey.
My father produced whiskey.
My granddaddy, he did too.
My grandfather also did.
We ain't paid no whiskey tax
We haven't paid any taxes on whiskey.
Since 1792.
Since the year 1792.
We'll just lay there by the juniper,
We will simply rest near the juniper plant.
While the moon is bright.
During a time when the moon is full and illuminating.
Watch them jugs a-filling
Observe the containers being filled.
In the pale moonlight.
Under the soft, dim light of the moon.
Writer(s): Frank A Beddoe
Contributed by Mateo F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.