Moonshiner
Versions (6)
Traditional
OriginalA traditional Irish-American folk song about a moonshine distiller. The song has been passed down through generations and was popularized in America through the folk revival of the 1960s.
Redbird
Atmospheric folk rendition by the duo Redbird (Willy Mason and Brendan Taaffe).
Charlie Parr
Live performance at Pickathon 2011. Raw, authentic take on the traditional song.
Bob Forrest
From the I'm Not There soundtrack (2007), Todd Haynes's kaleidoscopic Bob Dylan biopic. Bob Forrest—frontman of Thelonious Monster and survivor of severe heroin addiction—brings devastating authenticity to these lyrics about moonshine and oblivion. His weary, wounded delivery channels years of substance abuse and recovery. By 2007, Forrest had become a certified drug counselor helping others recover, making his performance both a confession and a testament to survival.
Bob Dylan
Studio outtake from 1963, officially released on The Bootleg Series. Dylan's haunting version helped introduce the song to a wider audience.
Sam Shackleton
Scottish folk singer's traditional ballad interpretation with banjo.