There ain't no work in the mountain
Since they shut down the mines
I've got a wife and 6 children
And their hungry all the time
So I have to find another way
Not one that I'm proud of
But the union says its hopeless
And we can't live on love
We really need some groceries
And the rents way overdo
That's why I've got the bootleggers blues
Looking over my shoulder
A short step from the long arm of the law
These old mountain roads and dangerous
Especially with a load of alcohol
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 them starve to death
I've got nothing left to what I have to do
That's why I've got the bootleggers blues
Solo
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 survive
I don't want their welfare
That's all I got to say
They can stick it where the sun don't shine
Cuz I make my own way
My heart is in this holler
I don't wear no leaving shoes
I'd rather have the bootleggers blues
Solo
Looking over my shoulder
A short step from the long arm of the law
These old mountain roads and dangerous
Especially with a load of alcohol
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 them starve to death
I've got nothing left to what I have to do
That's why I've got the bootleggers blues
I've got nothing left to what I have to do
That's why I've got the bootleggers blues