Rattlesnake Whiskey
Rattlesnake Whiskey: A Moonlit Tale of Forbidden Spirits
Lyrics
I had my first sip when I was five
The speaker tried alcohol at a very young age, at five years old.
It was the first day I ever felt alive
That experience with alcohol made them feel truly alive for the first time.
I started running fore I could drive
They were running or engaging in activities before they even learned to drive.
With a trunk full of bottles and a twinkle in my eye
The speaker had a car full of bottles, possibly of moonshine, and felt excitement or mischief in their eyes.
So go head baby, wipe your tears
Encouraging someone, likely a partner, to stop crying.
We both know that the end is near
Both the speaker and the person they're addressing know that the end, possibly of a relationship or life, is approaching.
Could be tomorrow, could be today
Death or a negative consequence might arrive soon, maybe even today.
But this rattlesnake whiskey's gonna kill me either way
The alcoholic beverage ("rattlesnake whiskey") will likely be the cause of their demise.
The stills were smokin' all day and night
Describing the constant operation of moonshine stills, possibly illegal ones.
Mama kept a pistol and a watchful eye
The mother kept watch with a gun, implying a dangerous or illegal activity.
We're doin' God's work Daddy told me
The father saw the moonshine operation as a divine or necessary duty.
Selling moonshine all over seven counties
The speaker's family was involved in selling moonshine across multiple counties.
So go head baby, wipe your tears
Similar to line 6, consoling someone in anticipation of a tragic event.
We both know that the end is near
Reiteration of the impending end, potentially indicating the end of a lifestyle or life itself.
Could be tomorrow, could be today
The end might come imminently, emphasizing the fatal consequences of the drink.
But this rattlesnake whiskey's gonna kill me either way
Reaffirmation that the "rattlesnake whiskey" will lead to the speaker's demise.
The law came searchin' that higher ground
The law authorities searched for the illegal moonshine operation in a remote area.
For Daddy's outfit on the outskirts of the town
Describing a raid or investigation by the law on the outskirts of town.
Shots rang out, that chilly eve
Gunshots were fired during the raid.
As the air hung thick with the smell of burning whiskey
The air smelled strongly of burning moonshine during the raid.
So go ahead baby, wipe your tears
Encouraging someone to stop crying in the face of impending tragedy.
We both know that the end is near
Reiteration of the knowledge that an end is near, possibly hinting at the fatal nature of events.
Looks like the devil, has had his say
The situation appears dire or fateful, possibly due to the influence of the whiskey.
Cause this rattlesnake whiskey finally put me in my grave
The "rattlesnake whiskey" finally leads the speaker to their death.
I had my first sip when I was five
Repeating the experience of having their first sip of alcohol at five years old.
It was the first day I ever felt alive
Reiterating the feeling of being truly alive for the first time due to that initial experience with alcohol.
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