Bob Dylan is a famous singer-songwriter, poet, and cultural icon whose career spans over six decades. Known for revolutionising folk and rock music, Dylan’s lyrics often look into themes of social justice, love, war, and self-reflection.
He became a voice of the 1960s counterculture and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016 for his profound contributions to the art of songwriting. Over the years, he has earned numerous awards, including Grammys, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award.
About the Song
Moonshiner tells the story of a man struggling with his dependence on alcohol and the life of solitude it brings. This song has been passed through generations, gaining emotional depth with each rendition.
The song isn’t just about drinking—it’s about choosing a path that isolates, numbs, and defines a person. Its simplicity and sorrow make it timeless.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 30, 2005 |
| Album | The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3 (Rare & Unreleased) 1961–1991 |
| Writer | Traditional (arranged and adapted by Bob Dylan) |
| Producer | Tom Wilson |
Complete Moonshiner Lyrics
Verse 1
I’ve been a moonshiner
For seventeen long years
I’ve spent all my money
On whiskey and beer
I go to some hollow
And sit at my still
And if whiskey don’t kill me
Then I don’t know what will
Harmonica Solo
Verse 2
I go to some bar room
And drink with my friends
Where the women can’t follow
And see what I spend
God bless them pretty women
I wish they was mine
Their breath is as sweet
The dew on the vine
Harmonica Solo
Verse 3
Let me eat when I am hungry
Let me drink when I am dry
A dollar when I am hard up
Religion when I die
The whole world’s a bottle
And life’s but a dram
When the bottle gets empty
It sure ain’t worth a damn
Similar Songs Like Moonshiner
If you appreciate the heartfelt emotion and storytelling found in Bob Dylan’s Moonshiner, you’ll find that many of his other songs offer a similar mix of honest lyrics, reflective themes, and enduring folk qualities.
- Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right: This folk classic uses soft guitar and bittersweet lyrics to capture the feeling of moving on without anger. It’s gentle but powerful.
- Girl from the North Country: With its quiet melody and nostalgic tone, this duet mixes longing and memory into a heartfelt tune full of emotional honesty.
- One Too Many Mornings: This song paints the loneliness of leaving someone behind. Dylan’s voice and words blend perfectly to create a quiet, aching mood.
Similar Artists Like Bob Dylan
Below is a list of other similar artists, such as Bob Dylan, who sing songs within the same genre.
- Joan Baez
Genre: Folk / Protest
Top albums: Joan Baez (1960), Diamonds & Rust (1975), Farewell, Angelina (1965), Blessed Are… (1971) - Leonard Cohen
Genre: Folk / Singer-Songwriter
Top albums: Songs of Leonard Cohen (1967), Songs of Love and Hate (1971), I’m Your Man (1988), Various Positions (1984) - Neil Young
Genre: Rock / Folk Rock
Top albums: After the Gold Rush (1970), Harvest (1972), Rust Never Sleeps (1979), Tonight’s the Night (1975) - Paul Simon
Genre: Folk Rock / Pop
Top albums: Graceland (1986), Paul Simon (1972), Still Crazy After All These Years (1975), Rhythm of the Saints (1990) - Arlo Guthrie
Genre: Folk / Americana
Top albums: Alice’s Restaurant (1967), Hobo’s Lullaby (1972), Running Down the Road (1969), Washington County (1970)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moonshiner Based on a True Story or Historical Events?
The song is not based on a specific true story but rather captures the experiences and sentiments of rural American (and Irish) moonshiners, especially during Prohibition.
What Impact did Dylan’s Version Have?
Bob Dylan’s version helped bring Moonshiner to a wider audience and is considered one of the most powerful interpretations of the song, praised for its raw emotion and vocal delivery.
Have Other Artists Recorded Moonshiner?
Yes, Moonshiner has been performed and recorded by many artists, including Delia Murphy, The Clancy Brothers, Elliott Smith, Cat Power, and others.
