About the song
Big Bopper’s 1959 hit “White Lightning” is a lively and humorous rockabilly track. Written by J.P. Richardson, also known as Big Bopper, the song tells a playful story about the making and consuming of moonshine, a potent homemade liquor.
With its energetic beat, catchy rhythm, and Big Bopper’s distinctive, charismatic vocals, “White Lightning” captures the rebellious spirit of the late 1950s rockabilly scene. The song’s upbeat tempo and witty lyrics make it an entertaining listen, showcasing Big Bopper’s flair for storytelling and his unique musical style. “White Lightning” remains a memorable and fun entry in the rockabilly genre.
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Lyric
Well, in the North of Carolina, way back in the hillsMe and my old pappy and he had him a stillHe brewed white lightnin’ ’til the sun went downAnd then you’d fill him a jug and he’d pass it aroundMighty, mighty pleasin’, pappy’s corn squeezin’Sh, white lightnin’
Well, the “G” men, “T” men, revenuers, tooSearchin’ for the place where he made his brewThey were looking, tryin to book him, but my pappy kept on cookin’Phoo, white lightnin’
Well, I asked my old pappy why he called his brewWhite lightnin’ ‘stead of mountain dewI took a little sip and right away I knewAs my eyes bugged out and my face turned blueLightnin’ started flashin’, thunder started clashin’Sh, white lightnin’
Well, the “G” men, “T” men, revenuers, tooSearchin’ for the place where he made his brewThey were looking, tryin to book him but my pappy kept on cookin’Sh, white lightnin’
Well, a city slicker came and he said “I’m tough”I think I want to taste that powerful stuffHe took one s-slug and drank it right downAnd I heard him a-moaning as he hit the groundMighty, mighty pleasin’, your pappy’s corn squeezin’Shoo, white lightnin’
The “G” men, “T” men, revenuers, tooSearchin’ for the place where he made his brewThey were looking, tryin’ to book him but my pappy kept on cookin’Sh, white lightnin’