Spirit of '94
Rebellion's Echo: Frontier Tales of Whiskey and Freedom
Lyrics
Out beyond the hills, in Western Pennsylvain
Refers to Western Pennsylvania as the setting for the narrative.
Good men support their families on whiskey from the grain
Describes a traditional way of life where men provide for their families through whiskey production.
Ain't never had no money, ain't never had the need
Highlights a lack of wealth and a contentment with the essentials.
Round and round the years we go from harvest back to seed
Reflects the cyclical nature of life, from abundance to scarcity.
But a colder wind is blowin', and the tax man's drawing near
Introduces a sense of impending challenge and change.
And with him comes trouble to our way of life so dear
Connects the changing times to the encroachment of taxes and potential threats.
Hamilton decreed it, and Washington he signed
Refers to historical figures (Hamilton, Washington) and their impact on the frontier.
Them folks back east don't give a damn about the frontier life
Expresses a perceived indifference of Easterners to frontier life.
Here's to old Tom and all the tinkers men
Toasts to Tom and his fellow rebels against the "spirit tax."
Don't you pay that spirit tax, your still he's sure to mend
Encourages defiance against paying the spirit tax and the belief in its healing power for stills.
You can follow me to Pittsburgh, follow me to jail Your revenue men can follow me all the way to hell
Conveys a rebellious spirit and a willingness to face consequences for resisting authority.
It was way back in the summer, seventeen and ninety four
Sets the historical context in the summer of 1794.
Them upland Cohee farmers couldn't take it anymore
Describes the frustration of Cohee farmers with the situation.
They shot up General Neville's house and burned it to the ground
Portrays a violent act of rebellion against General Neville.
Sent him runnin' with his marshall on back to Philly town
Forces Neville to flee, highlighting the effectiveness of the rebellion.
And now the grains are growing high and the waters flowing cold
Shifts to a positive tone, celebrating abundant harvests and flowing waters.
Put it in the jug and jar and trade like it was gold Jefferson is leavin', and me I'm right behind
Emphasizes the value of whiskey, likening it to gold.
Them feds can all jump in the sea, to me that'd be just fine
Expresses a desire for independence and a disdain for federal authority.
Here's to old Tom and all the tinkers men
Repeats a toast to Tom and the rebels.
Don't you pay that spirit tax, your still he's sure to mend
Reiterates the call to resist the spirit tax and the belief in its mending power.
You can follow me to Pittsburgh, follow me to jail Your revenue men can follow me all the way to hell
Restates the defiance against authority and the readiness to face consequences.
There's thirteen thousand soldiers in a U.S. uniform
Mentions a significant number of U.S. soldiers, possibly alluding to potential conflict.
We'll go down in Kentucky, and make our shine from corn
Plans to continue making moonshine (shine) in Kentucky.
And if they ever find us, we'll know just what to do
Expresses preparedness to evade authorities if discovered.
Let that limestone water flow down to that good ole Mountain Dew
Suggests using local resources (limestone water) to continue moonshine production.
Here's to old Tom and all the tinkers men
Repeats a toast to Tom and the rebellious group.
Don't you pay that spirit tax, your still he's sure to mend
Reiterates the call to resist the spirit tax and the belief in its mending power.
You can follow me to Pittsburgh, follow me to jail Your revenue men can follow me all the way to hell
Reaffirms the readiness to face consequences for resisting authority.
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