Moonshiner
Bob Dylan · Other Songs - Bob Dylan
For seventeen long years
I spent all my money on whiskey and beer
I go to some hollow
And set up my still
If whiskey don't kill me
Then I don't know what will
I go to some bar room
And drink with my friends
If women came to follow
And see what I spend
God bless them pretty women
I wish they was mine
They're breath is as sweet as
The dew on vine
Let me eat when I'm hungry
Let me drink when I'm dry
A dollar when I am hard up
Religion when I die
The whole world is a bottle
And life is but a dram
When the bottle gets empty
It sure ain't worth a dime
Moonshiner
Bob Dylan's 'Moonshiner' stands as a vivid example of his early narrative songwriting, capturing the rugged atmosphere of rural life and the outlaw spirit that permeates his folk and country-influenced work. The track reflects Dylan's ability to craft character-driven stories, placing the listener in a world defined by hard labor, illicit trade, and the constant motion of the American road. While often overshadowed by his more anthemic compositions, the song demonstrates his commitment to exploring the lives of working-class figures through a lens of poetic realism. It fits within a broader discography that frequently examines themes of displacement and survival, showcasing the artist's versatility in blending traditional folk structures with his distinctive lyrical voice. This recording remains a testament to Dylan's enduring capacity to find profound meaning in everyday struggles.