About the song
## White Lightning by George Jones & Johnny Cash: A Moonshine Ballad Duet
“White Lightning” is a classic country duet written by J.D. “Jay” Miller and Eddie Noack, first released in 1959 by Merle Travis. The song quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in the repertoires of country music legends like George Jones and Johnny Cash. Their 1970 rendition, released as a single from Jones’s album *Slippin’ In,* became one of their most enduring duets.
The song tells the story of two moonshiners, George Jones and Johnny Cash, who run a still in the backwoods. They sing about the dangers of their illegal trade, the thrill of the chase, and the camaraderie they share. The lyrics are full of double entendres and sly humor, perfectly capturing the outlaw spirit of the moonshining culture.
Jones and Cash’s voices blend perfectly on this track, their contrasting styles creating a dynamic and engaging performance. Jones’s smooth, soulful vocals are a perfect foil for Cash’s rough-hewn, authoritative delivery. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it impossible to resist, and its lyrics are sure to put a smile on your face.
“White Lightning” was a commercial success for Jones and Cash, reaching number 15 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1970. It has since become a country music standard, covered by numerous artists including Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Hank Williams Jr. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to capture the spirit of the American South.
**Additional details:**
* **Album:** Slippin’ In (George Jones, 1970)*
* **Other notable charting:** Number 1 on the Cashbox Country Singles chart
* **Original songwriter:** J.D. “Jay” Miller and Eddie Noack
* **Other notable performers:** Merle Travis, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr.
I hope this introduction provides you with a comprehensive overview of “White Lightning” and its significance in country music history.
Video
Lyrics
Well in North Carolina, way back in the hills
Me and my old pappy had a hand in a still
We brewed white lightnin’ ’til the sun went down
Then he’d fill him a jug and he’d pass it around
Mighty, mighty pleasin, pappy’s corn squeezin’
Whshhhoooh . . . white lightnin’Chorus:
Well the “G” men, “T” men, revenuers, too
Searchin’ for the place where he made his brew
They were looking, tryin to book him,
But my pappy kept a-cookin’
Whshhhoooh . . . white lightnin’— Instrumental —
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
As my eyes bugged out and my face turned blue
Lightnin’ started flashin’ and thunder started crashin’
Shhhoooh . . . white lightnin’Chorus:
Well the “G” men, “T” men, revenuers, too
Searchin’ for the place where he made his brew
They were looking, tryin to book him,
but my pappy kept a-cookin’
Whshhhoooh . . . white lightnin’Well a city slicker came and he said “I’m tough”
I think I wanna taste that powerful stuff
He took one g-g-glug and drank it right down
And I heard him a moaning as he hit the ground
Mighty, mighty pleasin, pappy’s corn squeezin’
Whshhhoooh . . . white lightnin’Chorus:
Well the “G” men, “T” men, revenuers, too
Searchin’ for the place where he made his brew
They were looking, tryin to book him,
but my pappy kept a-cookin’
Whshhhoooh . . . white lightnin’…