About the song
“White Lightning” is a classic country song by George Jones, released in February 1959. This song marks a significant milestone in Jones’s illustrious career, as it was his first number one hit on the Billboard country chart. Written by the legendary J.P. Richardson, better known as The Big Bopper, “White Lightning” is a spirited tale that captures the rebellious and raucous spirit of the times.
The song was part of the album “White Lightning and Other Favorites,” released in 1959. The recording took place at the Gold Star Studios in Houston, Texas, with the production handled by Pappy Daily. Interestingly, during the recording session, Jones reportedly had a bit too much to drink, leading to several takes. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the final version of “White Lightning” exudes a raw and authentic energy that resonated with listeners.
“White Lightning” tells the story of a man who brews a potent homemade moonshine in the hills of Carolina, a nod to the moonshining culture prevalent in the rural South during Prohibition and beyond. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat tempo, combined with Jones’s distinctive voice, made it an instant hit. It not only topped the Billboard country chart but also crossed over to the pop charts, reaching number 73 on the Billboard Hot 100.
This song is notable not just for its commercial success but also for its cultural impact. It solidified George Jones’s reputation as a leading figure in country music and showcased his ability to bring humor and storytelling into his songs. “White Lightning” became one of Jones’s signature songs and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, further cementing its place in country music history.
The album “White Lightning and Other Favorites” features a collection of songs that highlight Jones’s versatility as an artist. From honky-tonk tunes to heartfelt ballads, the album is a testament to his talent and enduring appeal. Over the decades, George Jones continued to release hit after hit, but “White Lightning” remains a standout, a song that captures the essence of his early career and his contributions to the genre.
For older and educated audiences, “White Lightning” is not just a song but a piece of Americana, a reflection of a bygone era of country music where storytelling and real-life experiences formed the backbone of the genre. It is a reminder of George Jones’s significant role in shaping the sound of country music and his lasting legacy as one of the greatest country singers of all time.
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Lyrics
Well, in the North of Carolina, way back in the hills
Me and my old pappy and he had him a still
He brewed white lightnin’ ’til the sun went down
And then you’d fill him a jug and he’d pass it around
Mighty, mighty pleasin’, pappy’s corn squeezin’
Sh, white lightnin’
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 on cookin’
Phoo, 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
As my eyes bugged out and my face turned blue
Lightnin’ started flashin’, thunder started clashin’
Sh, white lightnin’
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 on cookin’
Sh, white lightnin’
Well, a city slicker came and he said “I’m tough”
I think I want to taste that powerful stuff
He took one s-slug and drank it right down
And I heard him a-moaning as he hit the ground
Mighty, mighty pleasin’, your pappy’s corn squeezin’
Shoo, white lightnin’
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 on cookin’
Sh, white lightnin’