George Jones

About the Song

George Jones, the undisputed Possum of country music, has a vast repertoire of hits. Among them, “White Lightning” stands out as a classic. Released in 1959, this song marked a turning point in Jones’ career, propelling him to stardom.

With its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics, “White Lightning” is a departure from the traditional country ballads Jones is often associated with. The song tells a humorous tale of moonshine and the thrill of the chase, showcasing a different side of the singer’s talent. Jones’ distinctive vocal style, filled with twang and emotion, perfectly captures the song’s energetic spirit.

Beyond the catchy melody and witty lyrics, “White Lightning” also serves as a testament to Jones’ versatility as an artist. It’s a reminder that even the most traditional country singers can experiment with different sounds and styles while maintaining their core appeal.

While not a deep or emotional track like some of Jones’ other hits, “White Lightning” is undeniably a crowd-pleaser. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s ability to entertain and uplift listeners.The one and only, George Jones – Field Trip South

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Lyrics: White Lightning

Well in North Carolina way back in the hills me and my old pappy and he had him a still
He brewed white lightnin till the sun went down
Then he’d fill up a jug and he’d pass it around
Mighty mighty pleasin my pappy’s corn squeezin (whew white lightnin)
Well the G men T men revenoers too searchin for the place where he made his brew
They were lookin tryin’ to book him but my pappy kept on cookin
(Whew white lightnin)Well I asked my old pappy why he called his brew
White lightnin stead of mountain dew
I took a little sip and right away I knew
And my eyes bugged out and my face turned blue
Light has started flashin thunder started krashin (whew white lightnin)
Well the G men T men…

Well a city slicker came and he said I’m tough
I think I want to taste that powerful stuff
He took one slug and he drank it right down I heard him moanin’ as he hit the ground
Mighty mighty pleasin you’r pappy’s corn squeezin (whew white lightnin)
Well the G men T men.

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Dolly Parton turned a simple handmade coat into one of the most powerful songs of her life because to her, it was never really about the fabric. “Coat of Many Colors” sprang directly from Dolly’s growing-up years in East Tennessee. Her mother, Avie Lee, pieced the jacket together by sewing colorful rags the family already owned. Cash was mighty tight, so there was no running down to the store for brand-new clothes. Instead, Avie Lee took what was on hand and stitched together something warm for her little girl to wear. While the needle flew, she shared the Bible story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, turning an ordinary piece of clothing into something special in Dolly’s eyes. Proudly wearing that coat to school, Dolly felt rich, but the other kids saw it differently. They laughed at the patches and teased her for having so little. Years down the road, Dolly penned those childhood memories into “Coat of Many Colors.” Released in 1971, the tune became a shining example of why her songwriting touched so many souls. She never tried to hide hard times or dress up her youth to look prettier than it was. She simply laid the sting of teasing side-by-side with the deep love that stitched the coat together, letting that honest truth speak for itself. The song eventually grew far beyond that original vinyl record. Its spirit inspired the 2015 television movie Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, followed by Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love the very next year. Those films opened a window into Dolly’s mountain home, introducing folks to the hardworking parents and siblings who shaped her long before the bright lights found her. By then, Dolly had worn glittering stage gowns worth more than her family could ever have dreamed. Yet the garment folks remember best remains that humble little coat stitched by a mother’s loving hands when buying something new simply wasn’t in the cards. That is why the memory stayed alive. The scraps faded away, but the lesson underneath never did.