The Midnight Rambler
Moonshine Tales: The Midnight Rambler's Appalachian Odyssey
Lyrics
His faded blue denim bib and brace
Describing the attire of the Midnight Rambler, emphasizing the worn-out nature of his denim bib and brace.
Matched the colour of his eyes sunken almost without trace
Highlighting the sunken appearance of the Midnight Rambler's eyes, possibly indicating fatigue or hardship.
His worn out hands are wrapped around a jar
Depicting the Midnight Rambler's hands wrapped around a jar, suggesting a connection to moonshining or a rustic lifestyle.
A whisp of smoke into the night, a crack echoes from the fire
Describing a scene where smoke rises into the night, accompanied by a crack from the fire, setting a rustic and atmospheric tone.
That dull copperhead belched and bubbled away
Describing the activity of a copperhead (likely a moonshine still) producing liquid with bubbling sounds.
Like an old friend with a belly full of laughter
Metaphorically comparing the copperhead to an old friend with a belly full of laughter, creating a warm and familiar image.
And under his breath I heard that old man say
Noting that the old man mumbles something under his breath, adding mystery and intrigue to the character.
"This will be my last run of likker"
The old man expresses that the current batch of moonshine will be his last, possibly indicating a decision to retire or leave the moonshining business.
The Midnight Rambler, the lines cut deep across his face
Introducing the Midnight Rambler and describing the deep lines on his face, suggesting a life filled with challenges and hardships.
Plot his life long story, his many falls from grace
Implies that the Midnight Rambler has experienced numerous setbacks and failures throughout his life.
The Midnight Rambler, always living at full pace
Characterizing the Midnight Rambler as someone who lives life at a fast pace, perhaps recklessly or with a sense of urgency.
That master moonshiner, hounded and chased
Referring to the Midnight Rambler as a skilled moonshiner who is constantly pursued or troubled.
He works all night, will sleep all day,
Describing the Midnight Rambler's nocturnal work routine and his status as a figure who has become legendary.
A man faded into folklore, a legend some might say
Emphasizing the Midnight Rambler's folklore-like status and the possibility that he is considered a legend in the community.
Just like his dad and his grandaddy before
Connecting the Midnight Rambler's lifestyle to his family's traditions, suggesting a generational pattern.
This wisdom is passed down regardless of the law
Highlighting the passing down of wisdom, even if it goes against the law, reinforcing the importance of family traditions.
That old sour mash makes the finest moonshine
Praising the quality of moonshine produced by the Midnight Rambler using sour mash.
From Cocke County throughout all Appalachia
Indicating the widespread recognition of the Midnight Rambler's moonshine quality throughout Appalachia.
The ATF choose to label it a crime
Mentioning the ATF's (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms) label of moonshining as a crime, highlighting the conflict between tradition and legal regulation.
But this is Blue Ridge Mountain culture
Asserting the cultural significance of moonshining in the Blue Ridge Mountains, irrespective of legal labels.
The Midnight Rambler, the lines cut deep across his face
Reiterating the deep lines on the Midnight Rambler's face and his tumultuous life story.
Plot his life long story, his many falls from grace
Continuing to emphasize the Midnight Rambler's journey, including his falls from grace.
The Midnight Rambler, always living at full pace
Repeating the characterization of the Midnight Rambler as someone who lives life at a full pace.
That master moonshiner, hounded and chased
Reiterating the idea that the Midnight Rambler is a skilled moonshiner who faces constant challenges.
Ba-da-da-da-da
Introducing a non-verbal vocalization, adding a musical and rhythmic element to the lyrics.
Ba-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-dum
Continuation of the musical element, with a rhythmic pattern and vocalization.
Ba-da-da-da-da
Repeating the non-verbal vocalization for musical effect.
Ba-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-aye-aye-aye-ya-ooh
Extending the musical element with a combination of vocalizations and a rhythmic pattern.
The Midnight Rambler, the lines cut deep across his face
Restating the Midnight Rambler's characteristics, particularly the lines on his face and his life story.
Plot his life long story, his many falls from grace
Continuing to depict the Midnight Rambler's challenging life journey and multiple falls from grace.
The Midnight Rambler, always living at full pace
Reiterating the idea that the Midnight Rambler lives life at a full pace.
That master moonshiner, hounded and chased
Emphasizing the Midnight Rambler's role as a master moonshiner who faces persistent challenges.
You'll never take the man from the mountain,
Declaring the resilience of the Midnight Rambler, asserting that he cannot be taken away from his mountainous habitat.
After all this time served, the law he'll keep on flouting
Suggesting that despite serving time, the Midnight Rambler will continue to defy the law.
The Midnight Rambler
Reiterating the Midnight R
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