The Greatest Oldies Music

Country Oldies Musics

White Lightning – George Jones

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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HANK SNOW SPENT HIS LIFE SINGING ABOUT TRAINS AND FREEDOM BECAUSE HE SPENT HIS CHILDHOOD DESPERATELY TRYING TO ESCAPE A VIOLENT HOME. The North Atlantic was a cold, unforgiving place for a boy, but the biting wind on those fishing vessels felt safer than the house he left behind. Hank Snow learned to endure the rhythm of the waves before he ever stepped into a recording booth. On the decks, surrounded by callous men, he clung to his guitar and harmonica as if they were lifeboats. These were not just instruments; they were the only tools he had to carve out a sliver of peace in a world that had shown him nothing but the heavy hand of a stepfather. When he finally achieved stardom, the public saw only the Singing Ranger, a man impeccably dressed in rhinestones who lived to keep moving down the tracks. His hits became anthems of the open road, yet every song about a wandering soul or a departing train was rooted in that primal need to get away, to stay one step ahead of the past. The stage lights were bright, but they were designed to cast a long shadow over the scars he carried under his coat. It took decades for the private trauma to meet the public man. By the time he established his foundation to fight for children, the cycle of violence that once defined his small, terrified world had been transformed into a quiet, enduring labor of grace, leaving behind only the steady vibration of a guitar string and the weight of a life finally reclaimed.

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