White Lightning
Moonshine Tales: Pappy's White Lightning Chronicles
Lyrics
Well in North Carolina, way back in the hills
Introduction to the setting in North Carolina hills where the narrator's father (pappy) and he were involved in making moonshine.
Me and my old pappy had a hand in a still
The narrator and his father had a role in operating an illegal distillery (still).
We brewed white lightnin' 'til the sun went down
They produced moonshine (white lightning) until sunset.
Then he'd fill him a jug and he'd pass it around
After production, the father would share the moonshine with others.
Mighty, mighty pleasin', pappy's corn squeezin'
Describing the moonshine as very pleasing, emphasizing the satisfaction it brings.
Whshhhoooh... white lightning
Expression of the sound associated with the production of white lightning.
Well the "G" men, "T" men, revenuers, too
Introduction of law enforcement agents (G men, T men, revenuers) searching for illegal moonshine operations.
Searchin' for the place where he made his brew
Efforts to locate the distillery where the moonshine is made.
They were looking, tryin to book him,
The authorities are attempting to apprehend the narrator's father.
But my pappy kept cookin'
Despite the pursuit, the father continues making moonshine.
Whshhhoooh... white lightning
Expression of the sound associated with the production of white lightning.
Well I asked my old pappy why he called his brew
The narrator asks his father why he calls the moonshine "white lightning" instead of "mountain dew" (another term for moonshine).
White lightning 'stead of mountain dew
The narrator tastes the moonshine and realizes its potency.
I took a little sip and right away I knew
The narrator acknowledges the powerful effect of the moonshine.
As my eyes bugged out and my face turned blue
The narrator's intense reaction to the moonshine, including physical effects.
Lightning started flashin' and thunder started crashin'
Describing the dramatic weather effects that occur when consuming the potent moonshine.
Shhhoooh... white lightnin'
Expression of the sound associated with the production of white lightning.
Well the "G" men, "T" men, revenuers, too
Repetition of the pursuit by law enforcement agents looking for the distillery.
Searchin' for the place where he made his brew
Continued efforts to locate the illegal moonshine operation.
They were looking, tryin to book him,
The authorities are trying to apprehend the narrator's father.
But my pappy kept a-cookin'
Despite the ongoing pursuit, the father continues making moonshine.
Whshhhoooh . . . white lightning
Expression of the sound associated with the production of white lightning.
Well a city slicker came and he said "I'm tough"
A city person expresses interest in trying the moonshine.
I think I want to taste that powerful stuff
The city slicker wants to experience the power of the moonshine.
He took one g-g-glug and drank it right down
The city slicker consumes the moonshine quickly.
And I heard him a moaning as he hit the ground
The city slicker experiences the strong effects of the moonshine and collapses.
Mighty, mighty pleasin', pappy's corn squeezin'
Describing the satisfaction and potency of the moonshine.
Whshhhoooh... white lightning
Expression of the sound associated with the production of white lightning.
Well the "G" men, "T" men, revenuers, too
Repetition of the pursuit by law enforcement agents looking for the distillery.
Searchin' for the place where he made his brew
Continued efforts to locate the illegal moonshine operation.
They were looking, tryin' to book him,
The authorities are trying to apprehend the narrator's father.
but my pappy kept cookin'
Despite the ongoing pursuit, the father continues making moonshine.
Whshhhoooh... white lightning
Expression of the sound associated with the production of white lightning.
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