Bootlegger's Blues

There ain't no work in the mountains since they shut down the mines

I got a wife and six children and they're hungry all the time

So I had to find another way, not one that I'm proud of

But the union says it's hopeless, and we can't live on luck

We really need some groceries and the rent's way overdue

That's why I've got the bootlegger's blues

Lookin' over my shoulder

A short step from the long arm of the law

These old mountain roads are dangerous

Especially with a load of alcohol

I don't wanna make my wife a widow, leave my kids without a dad

But I'd rather be in the graveyard than to see 'em starve to death

I got nothin' left, do what I have to do

That's why I've got the bootlegger's blues

Well I used to be an honest man with dignity and pride

But they say I can't dig coal no more, and I have to provide

I don't want their welfare; that's all I've got to say

They can stick it where the sun don't shine, 'cause I make my own way

My heart is in this holler; I don't wear no leavin' shoes

I'd rather have the bootlegger's blues

Lookin' over my shoulder

A short step from the long arm of the law

These old mountain roads are dangerous

Especially with a load of alcohol

I don't wanna make my wife a widow, leave my kids without a dad

But I'd rather be in the graveyard than to see 'em starve to death

I got nothin' left, do what I have to do

That's why I've got the bootlegger's blues

I got nothin' left, do what I have to do

That's why I've got the bootlegger's blues