The Moonshiner Poem by Clyde King

I been a moonshiner all my life,
never had time to take a wife.

I got 4 kids in 3 counties.
On my head John Law gots a bounty.

If they catch me I'm dead.
That's why I stay ahead

by living in these hollers
making them greenback dollars.

Making them greenback dollars
keeps me on the run.
I could get shot so
I don't carry a gun.

A gun's just an excuse
to turn those dogs loose.

When I get lonesome I call
My little Susie-she's a doll.

She's got long brown hair,
about her bow legs I don't care.

When she holds me tight
everything is alright.

With a taste of my shine
I feel just fine.

That old copper still
is hid deep in these hills.

Those revenuers are blind.
My still they won't find.

If I ever get found
they'll put me in the ground.

Brother, when I go,
tell Susie I love her so.

Take a sip of this shine.
It's better than wine.

Making them greenback dollars
keeps me on the run.
I could get shot so
I don't carry a gun.