Copperhead Road
Steve Earle · Live at the BBC [2009]
Same as my daddy and his daddy before
You hardly ever saw Grandaddy down here
He only come a town about twice a year
He'd buy a hundred pounds of yeast and some copper line
Everybody knew that he made moonshine
Now the revenue man wanted Grandaddy bad
He headed up the holler with everything he had
It's before my time but I've been told
He never come back from Copperhead Road
Now Daddy ran whiskey in a big block Dodge
Bought it at an auction at the Mason's Lodge
Johnson County Sheriff painted on the side
Just shot a coat of primer then he looked inside
Well him and my uncle tore that engine down
I still remember that rumblin' sound
When the sheriff came around in the middle of the night
Heard mama cryin', knew something wasn't right
He was headed down to Knoxville with the weekly load
You could smell the whiskey burnin' down Copperhead Road
I volunteered for the Army on my birthday
They draft the white trash first,'round here anyway
I done two tours of duty in Vietnam
I came home with a brand new plan
I take the seed from Colombia and Mexico
I just plant it up the holler down Copperhead Road
Now the D.E.A.'s got a chopper in the air
I wake up screaming like I'm back over there
I learned a thing or two from Charlie don't you know
You better stay away from Copperhead Road
Copperhead Road
Copperhead Road
Copperhead Road
Copperhead Road
Steve Earle's "Copperhead Road" stands as a defining anthem of American folk-rock, capturing the weary spirit of the working class with unflinching honesty. Recorded live at the BBC in 2009, the track showcases Earle's signature blend of acoustic guitar, resonant vocals, and socially conscious storytelling. The song's narrative follows a protagonist navigating the harsh realities of rural life, reflecting Earle's lifelong commitment to documenting the struggles of ordinary people. Its enduring popularity stems from its raw emotional core and Earle's distinctive delivery, which has cemented the song's place in the canon of protest and folk music. The recording serves as a testament to Earle's ability to transform personal observation into universal art, resonating with listeners who appreciate music that speaks to the human condition.