Rapper FIRST time REACTION to Steve Earle - Copperhead Road!

[@korybeavers6528]

Very perceptive with the reaction, It's Americana it's got folk, blues and a little rock. The Scottish and Irish immigrated to the U.S. and settled in the appalachian regions, and brought with them their methods for making whiskey and their folk music, That's why it sounded a little Irish

[@karlweir3198]

Thanks for that information I did know some of this but not all so thanks

[@brandonjones1349]

Aye Kory ☘️🇺🇲

[@Cchan53]

Exactly...

[@Cchan53]

A little more bluegrass than blues...some fiddling ,I heard what sounded like bagpipes...very indicative of Scotch- Irish folk music, jigs!

[@cindy844]

​@@Cchan53Scotch is a whiskey. We're Scots-Irish ☘️

[@BlsPlayer]

I'm a musician/guitarist of over 50 years... ALL 'Country' and 'Bluegrass' music has strong roots in Celtic [Irish/Scottish] music.

[@fairportfan2]

And blues Hank Williams lsr aernt to play guitar from a black street musician in Mobile {?not sure}; there's as much blues as anything rlse in his music, and the same is true for a lot of other "country" stars of his era - and if you doubt me, listen to "I'm So Lonsome I Could cry" - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKLJmqZ-itmKhaM

[@leewafer6583]

Song is about a moonshiner an his family in Johnson county Tennessee, there was a road named Copperhead Rd. as well, but due to this song, they had to change the name, as people kept stealing the signs. When he mentions learning a few things from Charile, Charlie was the military slang for the Viet Cong , and they were known for setting booby traps.

[@robwatson3027]

He's the son of the old Moonshiner, and instead of making hooch he grows weed: "I take the seed from Columbia and Mexico, just plant them in the hollow down by Copperhead Rd."

[@bryanwayne7237]

I may or may not have had one of those signs at one point. I had a house fire a few years ago. I live fairly close to the road.

[@leewafer6583]

@@robwatson3027 correct

[@janetsilverhawk7204]

How NASCAR got started (moonshiners).

[@keltonhutchison5951]

@@janetsilverhawk7204 Damn Skippy

[@brendabowman622]

_"I learned a thing or two from "Charlie" don't cha know..."_ Booby traps. This song came out when I was in high school. Having fathers of a certain age, we _all_ knew what it meant.

[@deborahaumiller7391]

Yes.

[@shawnbasil1600]

The song's genre is southern rock which had lost some of its popularity by the late 80s when this song dropped. It features elements of country, rock, and bluegrass (which has Celtic roots with the mandolin and bagpipes). The song comes from northeast Tennessee, the town of Elizbethton in Johnson County. Granddaddy was a prohibition Era moonshiner. When the government went into the mountains to get his still, they became food for the feral hogs and bears. Prohibition ended, but many southern counties stayed "dry", where alcohol was illegal. Thus came Daddy's calling, bootlegging, where you buy in a legal county (or make your own) and sell in a dry county at a good profit. One night he wrecked, running from police. In a vehicle full of moonshine, it would have gone off like a Roman Candle. That's why Momma was crying. John Lee III's deal was growing pot, something he learned about in Vietnam. I was a teenager in this region in the 80s, and my Vietnam Vet dad taught me how to look for tripwires while hunting near corn or tobacco fields because pot growers would grow their pot in pockets hidden inside legal crop fields. Every summer the DEA and Sheriffs would team up with National Guard helicopters to fly over and find these pockets, then bring in bomb disposal to defuse traps, then burn the pot. This is what the youngest Pettimore is describing in the third part. The song is not necessarily based on one family, but it is absolutely based on real events from each generation.

[@thegridrunner9976]

Came here to say all this. Generations of rebels doing their thing. I didn't live down there but my step-dad's family was from there (Kentucky). We visited one summer. His uncle John rode his pony down from the holler with a 6 shooter on his hip. I found out years later, that was one of the top pot producing counties in the US in the 80s.

[@kevinmarshall854]

Copper head road is in the Appalachian Mountains. That is in Tennessee.

[@kilewithani2]

Elizabethton is in Carter County, now there's a Copperhead Road outside of Bristol which is in Sullivan County.

[@SickGirlRocks]

Not Elizabethton which is in Carter County. They changed the name to Copperhead Hollow road and I think its actualy in Butler. Govoner Lee just had a landmark placed at the corner of Big Dry Run Rd and Copperhead Hollow Road.

[@bobby1602]

copper head road/ copperhead hollow rd is right outside mountain city Tennessee. Elizebethton is in carter county on the north side of wataga lake where as copperhead hollow is on the south east side.

[@billstream1974]

These moon shiners are the roots of NASCAR.

[@johnweatherman5685]

Try NC, the home of Nascar. Good ol' boys coming down out of the mountains with radiators full of the stuff. And copperhead road...likely a real road name up in the mountains.

[@carolhandy3757]

That is exactly how it came about.

[@krittslegend297]

Legit Learned this from the kids movie Cars 3!!!!

[@CigarMick]

@@johnweatherman5685 Copperhead Road does exist. In fact, people who would come to the area to see the road would steal the road signs. The county government finally stopped putting up the road signs.

[@davidcliatt1314]

The copper pipe was for cooling the mash steam into liquid alcohol.

[@ZyggyZero]

Song’s POV is that of John Lee Pettimore III (at least 3rd.): His grandfather was a distiller who “disappeared” a fed who got too close. His pops fatally wrecked that Dodge while being chased by the Law. John third has continued and expanded the family business. It’s American Music. It got airplay on Rock and Country radio. Vid got airplay on MTV and Country Video shows (TNN, CMT). Fun Fact: This is one of Tennessee’s Official State Songs.

[@katherinedinwiddie4526]

Yea boy howdy!!

[@karencox3235]

A TN state song, for real?! I knew there were a few, but didn't know this was one of them. Huh!

[@brandonm6052]

​@karencox3235 there's a video of him in ya'lls state house playing the mandolin singing it

[@dasherpunk]

Steve Earle is one of the unappreciated Great song writers. The whole Copperhead road album is a banger

[@melissagrover9727]

Appalachia was settled with a lot of Scottish Highlanders because the land was very similar. “Holler,” is the key to where it is based. But Moonshine was everywhere during prohibition. NASCAR is based on getting modest looking American cars that could outrun any law enforcement.

[@valeriepasternak1736]

My family is from KY... we are from Scottland And yep, where the moonshine use to flow the Marijuana grows....

[@tupelohoney622]

Not just during Prohibition, at least not here in South. Many prefer moonshine and illegal stills abound.

[@bobprivate8575]

@@tupelohoney622 Whiskey in Appalachia, far predates Prohibition as you noted. One of the first tax rebellions in the US was in Western PA, known as the "Whiskey Rebellion" in opposition to a tax on moonshine. It occurred during George Washington's Presidency. Modern-day moonshiners, are just carrying out a fine tradition that dates back centuries.

[@katrinaprescott5911]

​@@bobprivate8575True, even when it was legal it was taxed and moonshiners sold cheap and tax free 😂 That's why when you talk about who's going after moonshiners it's usually "revenuers" - tax collectors. See also: "Rocky Top". In southern Appalachian legends revenuers don't fare any better than the guy going after John Lee Pettimore Senior in the song. Lots of stories about mysteriously disappearing lawmen.

[@selenaslittlecountryhome4208]

My great grandfather was from Scotland great grandmother was full Cherokee Indian my papaw tan that moonshine from the Smokey mountains to Knoxville said he did it for the family made moonshine till he was in his 80’s

[@jefRW]

One of my favorite lines is, You could smell the whiskey burning down Copper Head Road. A lot of folks don’t know that as well as moonshine being consumed to drink. When gas prices would get high those with a stockpile of high proof shine would cut their gas with it. This served two purposes one affordable fuel as well as potentially increased horsepower by running higher octane fuel. Increasing your chances of outrunning the law.

[@deaddocreallydeaddoc5244]

Not true regarding grain alcohol increasing HP. Wood alcohol can do that but it's poison to drink, meaning it will kill you.

[@amberbyrd4430]

If you listen to the song his dad wrecked. With a load of shine. That was the buring shine. But you are correct about using it for gas.

[@l.d.roberts2194]

If you grew up at a racetrack, running alcohol/methanol it's got a keen smell.

[@danielbock7562]

LoL yea Burn your eyes smell

[@nancyjanzen5676]

200 proof alcohol will burn real well. It also burns cleaner. Hence ethanol in gas today.

[@janbrown5641]

It's not a race thing, it's a class thing.

[@jonahhex8178]

Couldn't agree more! Heard somebody say that if us rednecks and the hood could unite we'd be unstoppable.

[@mintjulius275]

@jonahhex8178 put the 'red' back in redneck

[@keithwilliams8696]

Truth, there were just as many black vets growing patches in south Arkansas as there were white. There was and is a mutual respect for property in the Delta

[@jonathandeblanc3495]

Shut up with that discount Marxism everyone does it

[@RichardForrester-xn4uv]

hey boss, want to know a significant little thing about this guy Steve Earle? He's been invited to join the Grand Ole Opry, in Nashville. then, his addiction[s] got him kicked out. He cleaned up and they asked him back. That's only happened one other time in the history of USA music. Hank Williams Sr.

[@karencox3235]

I just watched I Saw The Light today about ol' Hank. What a coincidence.

[@ZacharyKroon]

I think they kicked Jonny cash out but I'm not sure if they invited him back after he cleaned up

[@johntheherbalistg8756]

John Lee Pettimore. They were a senior, junior and a third. Senior was a shiner, junior ran whiskey and the third grew pot. All of them did it up the holler down Copperhead Rd

[@ElizabethBryant-d2u]

I went to the same high school that Steve occasionally attended. Sometimes he would sing at some school thing and sometimes me and friends would go see him in some dodgy place where he played. I was mesmerized by him. His whole 15 or 16 year old self was dedicated to becoming a rock star, even to the point of drugs and other such things. He used to say goodbye by saying, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do, but if you do, name it after me." The last time I saw him was in a Tex-Mex place. I was in college I think and he was leaving San Antonio to go to Nashville and be a Rockabilly songwriter and singer. Sadly, I never met up with him again after he made it big.

[@jtcolo43]

Huge thanks. Steve Earle came on the scene as a legitimate country outlaw in the 80s. Great American songwriter. “Guitar Town” , I Ain’t Ever Satisfied “ Jerusalem album won Grammy for best folk in 2001 or 02 Thankful you played it. Hope you explore him. He is one of the most authentic voices we have. Legend.

[@marlew6629]

Absolutely True

[@eurofritz4617]

"Got a two pack habit and a motel tan" is such a great line in Guitar Town song

[@jtcolo43]

@@eurofritz4617 great line

[@georges4061]

Also a small roll in hbo's the wire

[@markweishaar2]

Rolled my truck with song “ Guitar Town “on the deck and it never missed a beat

[@tndeejay]

This song is based deep in Appalachian history. True storyline from my family generations and many others. My grandfather ran moonshine from Hawkins County to Knoxville after serving in WW2. I've heard many stories carried down from generations. It's our culture and our history. Still is today.

[@markcarpenter6020]

My great grandfather and grandfather and one of my uncles made shine. Had two uncles serve in nam when they got out one started running drugs the other ran guns. Song kinda hits close to home for folks over a certain age like myself.

[@markcarpenter6020]

@BugnOutLLC depends if it's what I heard called Tennessee sipping whisky. Well that stuff has no taste or burn. It's like drinking water till it hits your stomach then you feel heat rush through you like someone lit a fire in your stomach. It's also pretty close to pure alcohol and strong enough it will make your tongue go numb just sticking your tongue in it.,.

[@markcarpenter6020]

@BugnOutLLC ohh most moonshine is rough as hell. The kind I mentioned is pretty rare. It seems only a few old timers know how to make the stuff and I've only had it a couple times in my life. Honestly it scares me. It's way too easy to drink considering how strong it is. If you aren't very very careful you will be fubar before you even know what happened.,.

[@markcarpenter6020]

@BugnOutLLC best way I can describe Tennessee sipping whisky is. Imagine some that is as smooth as a good Moscato wine but is as strong as everclear. But I do enjoy your description of regular moonshine. I always thought of it as liquid broken glass myself but your description might be more accurate.

[@tndeejay]

@@markcarpenter6020 Absolute 💯

[@michaelsemones7539]

Smokey Mountains to Tennessee. “ Headed down to Knoxville with a weekly load “ Ironically this is now one of the official TN state songs.

[@johnparker9770]

So much history in all of it is why, my family is part of that history. There is a reason that 90% of all legal moonshine now comes from the distilleries in Sevier County. The outlaws finally could make their home brew legally.

[@daveethridge7342]

This came out in 1988. He was a trying to be a country singer, but this became a rock and roll classic.

[@richardlaswell463]

6:25 The Irish sound is the mandolin. They mix yeast in sour mashed corn, and allow it to ferment, then the alcohol is slowly boiled off and condensed in coils of copper tubing.

[@stpnwlf9]

Also bagpipes in the introduction to the song.

[@karencox3235]

@@stpnwlf9 and I hear bagpipes later on, too.

[@namikstudios]

Yep was going to say I'm pretty sure there are bagpipes in the intro too. Very unusual instrument to hear in a Country song.

[@traye1993]

I have Steve Earle saved in my Apple Music and this is one of my favorite songs of his! My dad and uncles made homemade moonshine and peach brandy.. my older brother still makes moonshine with his friends. I currently live in ND but I’m from a small town ( it’s grown up now!) in the piney woods of East Texas:)

[@socalpaul487]

My ancestors lived in NC for nearly 300 years. Apparently some some moonshiners in the family. Bootleggers that ran shine in hopped up cars were the founders of NASCAR.

[@ArleneAdkinsZell]

Love this song and your reaction, I think that telling he, his dad, and grand dad all had the same name was showing the strength of tradition in his family. This song always reminds me of my papaw who was a bootlegger, now other family members keep the tradition going.

[@TheJgolfw]

Steve Earle has lots of great songs!

[@macthir13en87]

Guitar Town!

[@connieburns4837]

This is one of my all time favorite songs. Steve Earle is awesome. You should really check out his song My Old Friend The Blues.

[@annemaclean6634]

Such a great song, was listening to it yesterday on YT! When the Scottish people emigrated to the US, they took their recipes and methods for whisky (moonshine!) and of course the fabulous music (I'm Scottish!) so I can really appreciate all this. This song is a real banger!😊😊

[@ceceliarussell-jayne2447]

Two strong Steve Earle recommendations: 1. Taney Town 2. Ben McCullough Riveting storytelling. So grateful you finally covered Steve Earle. He’s one of the best storytelling songwriter is song in American music. Winner of 3 Grammys. Copperhead Road was named and official song of the State of TN last year. Man, that was rich, hearing him play the song on the TN Statehouse floor. And yes, big time line dancing favorite. Steve has long time sobriety, like 29 years. He’s a national treasure. Your reaction was right on.

[@sharleengribble-robinson5408]

It's called Copperhead Road because there is a Copperhead Road near Knoxville. This song parallels the 1950s movie "Thunder Road" starring Robert Mitchum. Then it goes further with the next generation of "bootlegging" when Vietnam Vets brought seeds home.

[@f150bft]

Two hours north east of Knoxville maybe

[@pbplaya1344]

Johnson county is like 3 hours from Knoxville, on modern roads... I guess that's near

[@eddielewis8189]

Johnson county Tennessee mountains is a real place in mountain city tn

[@janyceseahorn4013]

Fascinating. My husband grew up Jefferson City Tennessee. I won’t mince words, I am one of those Yankees from the Midwest but I embraced the south despite so much prejudice

[@x0539p]

I used to line dance to this great song and what a blast I had. Miss those days. Love your reactions.

[@jimalbrecht8803]

I'm 70 yrs young and I love your reaction vids! 😂👍

[@marktaft6467]

in my opinion , I believe that your interpretation of this video is spot on 👍 thanks so much for sharing this classic tune ✌️🎸 Cheers from Ontario Canada ✌️🇺🇸✌️🇨🇦✌️

[@sabrinamassie5606]

The entire album is FIRE ... This is one of my favorites... Straight up ... WE had the best music EVER !!!

[@daleclark2376]

Great reaction! Ya boy, Dale, here, man, I have to say this is a classic! I live a stones throw from State Highway 70 here in Tennessee, the first state highway we had. In the 50's and 60's a long stretch between Knoxville and surrounding areas was known as Thunder Road because of all the hot rod moonshine runners and the loud exhaust pipes. Check out the song or the movie with Robert Mitchum, Thunder Road. ✌️❤️

[@danieldeanmasterfinisher4715]

My names “John Lee Pettimore “ , same as my daddy and his daddy before ! Moonshine was made everywhere and still is today, but was a rural commodity for fast cash made from barley nothing, some corn, sugar and yeast . Made in the mountains of Virginia , Kentucky and Tennessee

[@ffjsb]

Everywhere...not just those three states.

[@Darrends-qn4tp]

And Missouri and Arkansas.

[@kagato82]

@@Darrends-qn4tp Absolutely!

[@SpookyEng1]

My buddy’s granny in South Alabama made some of the best shine I’ve ever tasted, she used it to supplement her Social Security 😂

[@soupertrooper3864]

The "Moonshine Belt" was North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. They made as much white liquor as all the other states put together, and mountains got nothing to do with it

[@wt1370]

The song is from 1986-1987 You have a fairly clear perspective on it , presuming my perspective is correct over the decades. I would define this as southern rock/alternative country. I’ve been a Steve Earl fan for a long time bro. Our politics don’t line up but I love his music. He’s got a show on Sirius Outlaw Country if you’re interested. Liked and subscribed 👍

[@suicyco4life666]

Another great Steve Earle song is Guitar Town.

[@wordword6039]

"headed down to Knoxville with the weekly load" Moonshine stills were all over in east Tennessee. The song "Thunder Road" is written about the same thing and thunder road was actually hwy 70/kingston pike that runs the length of the state but runs right through Knoxville. Scots/irish and swiss mostly settled east Tennessee.

[@ronnie3092]

My daughter is 29 y/o now but this was her favorite song when she like 5 or 6. It was hilarious to watch her dance to it and sing EVERY word. She requested this song like most kids would ask for a Disney song.

[@karencox3235]

🤣🤣🤣

[@DonaldRGreenCPP]

You raised her up right!

[@rebeccacampitelli9233]

I trait learned a LOT from this reaction, thank you. In my younger days, i really only one it was a fun (fast) line dance. But now i know what the song is about as well as the Scottish and Irish introduction to this part of the country and it makes sense with the influence of the their music, combined with the kcal music. Lots of knowledge gained by myself on this traction.

[@Streetglidescotty70]

I can remember hearing this when it 1st came out in late 88 early 89 and it was on the rock station WAAF. I loved it then and its still great now.

[@macthir13en87]

Used to listen to WAAF

[@BilIAvoider]

hey birdsey you gonna eat that?

[@jeffwells212]

Damn Bro!!! You dug this out??? MAD Mad respect!!! You cover it ALL!!! Underground CLASSIC. Plus, "The Wire" connection to those who know, yea boy!

[@shanegooding4839]

The Pogues played with Steve Earle on Johnny Come Lately which appeared on the same album as this song and was also about the experiences of returning vets. Steve also wrote a great song called Galway Girl that he recorded with Irish musician Sharon Shannon.😊

[@scottyray8004]

Real place, Tennessee! Gods Country, East Tennessee! I’m an East Tennessean born and raised. Little farther west in Tennessee than where Copperhead Road is! Cumberland Plateau here! Great song and reaction!

[@earleycarter3521]

Steve Earle's 1988 song "Copperhead Road" is named after a real road near Mountain City, Tennessee, known locally as "Big Dry Run". The road was later renamed Copperhead Hollow Road after the song's name was stolen from road signs. The song is about a Vietnam veteran who returns home to East Tennessee and grows marijuana, and also tells the story of his family's history of moonshine making. The song's blend of country and Southern rock has influenced many artists,

[@WandaCaston-vp2ep]

My son lives on Copperhead Rd but in Mississippi they stop putting rode signs because every one of them stolen I just get one in time😅

[@benprewitt4600]

Thanks for reacting, man! I enjoy your stuff! 8:30...it was all over the nation I live in Iowa, but both sides of my family come from the South (Arkansas and Ohklahoma/Missouri respectively), and I know for a fact that all my great-grandfathers did it. I'm really into geneology, and I've found news clippings of my great-grandfather on my mom's side getting arrested: the writeup said it was the third time he'd been caught. On my dad's side, they bootlegged in (thank you for mentioning it) the Ozarks. My family (the Prewitts) ended up using their bootlegging money to buy shit tons of land in the hills. Thanks again for sharing your reaction with us, man!

[@joshuastickley2796]

Glad you decided to react to this one. Another great reaction

[@ajiscool615]

Copperhead Road was a road near Mountain City, here in Tennessee, in an area called "Big Dry Run". On April 20, 2023, our General Assembly passed an act recognizing the song as the 11th official state song of the state of Tennessee. 😮 Lots of us are from “Scotch-Irish” decent. Gives it that extra “mountain” sound. Always on my “road trip” playlist. Nothing like riding through the hills of TN jamming to this one! Keep on Rocking! ☮️💗✝️

[@Thatsmisteroldguytou]

I live in the Ozarks, sounds like the Ozarks to me! Straight fire.

[@hollypinkley]

Moonshine - having a still is all over the South - from N & S Carolina, W Virginia, TN, Ky, AR & the Cajuns in La make some of the best ever!!! I now live in the Ozark Mts - they were making it here way back when - even back in the late 1880's!!!!!!

[@rodthebodfromcanada]

Steve Earle bends a few genres, especially here with southern rock and country, but 90% of his catalogue is absolutely country. Don't let people convince you he's a rock singer. In fact, he's a headliner at a Red Dirt/Americana/Folk festival this year. And well done on picking up the story.

[@reneegiles5087]

Making Moonshine was a generational business that kept many families fed.

[@HenryHaven-c3q]

From the old country 😊

[@johnweatherman5685]

This was so endemic you can even see subplots about it in old shows like The Waltons where the old spinster are making "papa's recipe". You can't live in or near the Appalacians without knowing someone who sells 'shine or tries to stop the selling of 'shine. Just part of the culture.

[@HenryHaven-c3q]

@johnweatherman5685 a bushel of corn fetched less than 25 cents , a quart of shine gained ya 3/5 dollars , simple economics

[@carolhandy3757]

Can relate in SW VA and northeast NC. Three generations.

[@reneegiles5087]

@carolhandy3757 From SW VA. Wise County but my parents were from TN and KY.

[@waregl72]

There is actually a line dance to this song. The thing that always gets me is the drop when the drums really kick in. One of my favorites in music.

[@johngage856]

Steve Earle is a legendary songwriter and performer in country/southern rock/Americana/roots genres. His son, Justin Townes Earle (named for Steve’s hero, the incredible songwriter Townes Van Zandt) was arguably an even better and more eclectic songwriter and performer. Justin had even more blues and folk music and was classified as Americana usually but he made country music for sure. Justin inherited his father’s substance abuse issues, got clean a bunch of times, the last time for a long stretch. He sadly relapsed in 2020 with some cocaine that had fentanyl in it and passed away at 38 years old leaving behind a wife and young daughter. There is a haunting video of the concert that Steve put on in memory of Justin. You can watch his dad choke down the emotions to sing his son’s songs with other family, friends, and industry performers. Every song is amazing, Lone Pine Hill and Harlem River Blues are two of the best known.

[@kentfletcher8539]

For those not familiar, Townes Van Zane wrote such great songs as Pancho and Lefty and If I Needed You. After Townes passed, Steve Earle recorded a great album called simply “Townes.” His cover of To Live’s To Fly is one of my all time favorites.

[@karenglenn6707]

This was a huge song in Australia and I have loved it ever since. It tells a great story and the music is spot on, and I am not a country fan but this is different. Great song!

[@kimberlydawne]

Yay! I love that you did this one! One of my favorite songs. I also love his song Guitar Town. His son Justin Townes Earl was a good musician as well (named after Townes Van Zandt, another to check out) . Justin passed away a few years ago, and Steve did some nice covers of Justin's songs. My favorite of those is Champagne Corolla. Both songs I mentioned have a different feel to each other and to Copperhead Road. Have a blessed day!

[@sandyczarnetzke7141]

Oh I'm definately here for it. Love this song.❤🔥🔥Stay safe

[@giljensen1132]

One of the greatest story tellers of his generation.

[@basilcarroll9729]

Steve and his band performed in Sydney Nova Scotia in 1990, it was fantastic!

[@brandonjones1349]

I come from a family of runners in Va. Nice song. Nice reaction Peg ☘️

[@Mandalore3737]

same !!

[@Mandalore3737]

what part lol

[@brandonjones1349]

Sssshhhhhh........Fett. lol.. lets just call it hollers in the New River region

[@kpiperjr]

BP, one of the things I really like about your channel is you always drop at least one song that I'm really excited to see you check out. This was the one today. I know I'm repeating what others have said, but I also know it's impossible for you to read all the comments, so I think you missed the part where the granddaddy killed the revenuer man near the beginning: "He never come back from Copperhead Road." Then his daddy dies in a car crash while running moonshine, presumably in a high-speed chase with the cops. The rest you got. It's difficult to classify this song. You could call it Southern Rock, you could call it Outlaw Country, but you were spot on with your Irish take, too. I hadn't noticed until you said it, but it's there.

[@RandallMcElroy]

I am part Scotch -Irish and this is from my folks culture. They settled all through the south. Scotch -Irish have a reputation for being rebellious tough guys. It is country rock.

[@namikstudios]

Bagpipes in the intro. Very Scottish and quite unusual for a Country song.

[@jdcaudill3828]

I watched him in concert when this song came out and he was great! I saw him again two years ago and he was even better! Great storytelling.

[@shawn5928]

Granddad made moonshine in first verse and dealt with the Revenue Man Dad ran moonshine in the Big Block Dodge in second verse. He (Grandson, Son) went to Vietnam and had a new plan. Growing the green instead of moonshining. Three generations of John Lee Pettimore’s.

[@oliverjackson6992]

perfect 👌

[@ericgarringer6911]

Also had a big block dodge lol

[@michaeldubya]

Plus the fields were booby trapped.

[@saltymisfit6566]

This is one of those songs where it really helps to sit down and actually read the lyrics while listening to the song at the same time because there's a lot of stuff that you miss in the song because sometimes either he's not very clear on what he says or the music might drown it out but it tells a really good story when you sit down and actually realize what the lyrics are it tells a story of three generations

[@TheGwydion777]

Love this guy. His music, his lyrics. His acting, for those who watched The Wire. Even had the pleasure to see him live here in the Netherlands. Good choice! And indeed a lot of Irish folk influences. Don't tell line dancing didn't start as river dancing. ;)

[@KlippityKlop1]

I remember when I first heard this song. It was around 1988 or 1989. Loved the song! Saw Steve Earl in concert in the early 90’s, or maybe it was still the end of the eighties (I kinda forget the dates). It was a loud, fun show!

[@allenruss2976]

You're having fun today. Another great story teller. You can pretty much put this in the Southern Rock category

[@Brazosvalley]

Steve has a boatload of great songs, Telephone Road is one of my favorites.

[@gracemichelli.2am124]

🔥🔥🔥🔥. Love this. My dad ran moonshine back in his day in Smokey Mountains. 😂

[@snezzevp]

Now this song is timeless to me!! What an amazing song. Glad to see you react to it.

[@michaelhoffman4542]

Grandpa ran shine, Dad grew buds. Loved the reaction.

[@mapexzildjian6361]

You skipped one. The grandchild/son. Grandpa made moonshine. Dad followed in his footsteps. Son/grandchild, came home from Vietnam and grew marijuana.

[@lynnhoffmann247]

@@mapexzildjian6361🎯

[@benjamindelory9228]

i bought your cd's outside the citadel mall, I saw you at the black sheep, 32 blue all that, I'm glad your are you are doing you.

[@tonydelapa1911]

For 35 years have loved this song. I was very happy to see you had taken it on. I think you got what happened pretty close to what happened. FYI, “Charlie” was a deragatory nickname our soldiers gave to the Northern Vietnamese they were fighting.

[@kathynorris2203]

Copperhead is one of my favorites. Great song to dance to. This is a way of life in the ozarks

[@kathynorris2203]

Het it’s called southern rock. Petimore is the name. When he came from the war, he started growing weed.

[@jamestate5059]

The lyrics Smell The Whiskey Burning is that he got into a wreck and the moonshine was burning

[@timliscum2861]

NO I think its the "process" of making the shine..

[@johnparker9770]

I'm from the area he was talking about in the song, and my grandpa and uncles ran shine down thunder road for 50 years. Still remember hearing all the stories as a kid and even got to ride in one of the cars they supped up from back then. Wild to think that is part of my heritage. Oh and just for the record he was talking about Mary Jane, because my uncle switched to growing that for quite a while before he decided he was just too old to do it anymore.

[@ginaleblond1007]

Anywhere there was a holler, there was a high probability of bootlegging: Grandfather = moonshine; Father = whiskey; Son = plants

[@gerarddo8462]

Chill, just enjoy a great artist at work. Seen Steve live in Ireland where the natives love his music.

[@Teresia12]

I think it sounds more Scottish. Irish don't do bagpipes. One of my late husbands favorite songs. He spent over a year in Vietnam. He learned a few things from charlie too. This was set in Tennessee. In the song he said Daddy was headed down to Knoxville with a weekend load. Moonshine is big all over the Mountains.

[@Grassmonster3]

The Irish have a form of bagpipes called uilleann pipes.

[@cc-hk5ih]

Well done was just going to reply from Ireland with the uileann pipes! ​@Grassmonster3

[@kristaransbottom6765]

This song is a BANGER to dance to!!!

[@SickGirlRocks]

My great uncle got caught when he was 19 years old running moonshine in Butler Tennessee (TN Govenor just commissioned a Copperhead Road Landmark in Butler) His family thought it was better for him to enlist in WWII rather than go to prison. Unfortunately he died 19 days before his 20th birthday. They never forgave themselves. He's buried in Belgum, PFC Leonard Butler Pritchard RIP.

[@alisondixon3480]

Blessings for your families past service.

[@Lancealot3553]

Yes sir. Lots of Irish ties to the eastern USA especially in Appalachia where I’m from. Great reaction.

[@shannonturner8337]

Steve Earle was from Tennessee. My grandpa was a fourth generation bootlegger and he taught me well

[@gotdance6403]

I believe he was from Virginia.

[@jerrywagner4690]

Love this song. To me it always said... Mind Your Business!!

[@sixpakshaker88]

Scots Irish is the roots of Country Music. They are my people.

[@LindaSmith-r2f]

damn skippy, another Scot here!

[@TJGriggs25]

Great choice. I’ve seen Steve live 8 times. Copperhead Road is one of my all time favorites.

[@tobeski]

The Irish connection - the Copperhead Road album (which is ace all the way through) also featured The Pogues, led by Shane Macgowan who died recently. As a veteran you might appreciate the track "Johnny Come Lately" which has the Pogues front and centre and contrasts the treatment of soldiers returning from WW2 and from Vietnam

[@stpnwlf9]

He also has a great song called "Home to Houston" about driving trucks in convoy during the Gulf War. He really respects soldiers in his music.

[@kcoffey0708]

I wish I knew there was a bar in Colorado Springs named Copperhead Road. I would have gone there when I lived in Parker. I call this rock-a-billy!

[@TheTiathebia]

The Scots-Irish sound is the Uilleann Pipes ☘️

[@cfox39]

First time I heard this song, it was played on KILO94 in Colorado Springs. I think it may have been released in rock radio first. Steve Earle is a very talented artist

[@hurricane7479]

Steve Earle is a helluva good rabbit hole to go down; Johnny Come Lately - about how WWII vets came home to parades and all sorts of hoopla, while Vietnam Vets came home to either protests or nothing. Devil's Right Hand - about how a pistol is the Devil's right hand Guitar Town - about being a road musician, and it's filled with with references to motel rooms, too many cigarettes, driving all night to the next gig.

[@patrickkavanagh5335]

I remember seeing him in Ottawa he was 18, not even aloud to have a beer. Legally. It's 19 here. And to young to serve in Vietnam. But a great show. Ottawa Canada

[@ogmike7302]

Banger track. Steve Earles song. I feel alright is a banger too. Ps. If you know the show The Wire. Steve Earle was Bubbles sponsor in that series. Infact the closing scene of season 2 his track I feel alright was the track played. ✌️😎

[@jbrewer8941]

Kentucky... especially eastern... these mountains have wonderful natural springs 😉

[@karenpowell6063]

The singer is telling the story about his family business which was making moonshine. He was about to get be drafted into the military ( Vietnam) so he joined the Army . He came home with a brand new plan , growing and selling weed

[@thomasdeebel6695]

Your thoughts and impressions are pretty accurate, a lot of the country music, Bluegrass, and other southern music often has an Irish or Celtic sound to it. Many of these people came from Scotland and Ireland and yes, many of them were moonshiners.

[@joe6913111111]

Charlie was slang for the Vietkong in the war ..I learned thing or two from charlie don't you know means he learned how to boobytrap the land making searching it dangerous if you do not know where the danger is located and Moonshine was and is through out the south

[@kathybowles495]

Had some friends, out of Teller County, that gigged a few times at Copperhead Road. They always closed with this song. The line, "Johnson County Sheriff painted on the side", was changed to "Teller County Sheriff". Always got a response.

[@dsgp7835]

There's nothing country about this song or Steve Earle. He's an artist that transcends all genres. One of the greatest American singer songwriters. Not a bad song in his entire catalog.

[@kennethfiedler5977]

I love reacting to songs like this where there's a story being told and knowing there is a twist coming. You have the best reactions to that every time. And almost every time you explain what you think is about to happen and most the time that's exactly what happens. Your face when that happens in the best every time!

[@cbody70]

"Copperhead" refers to the head of a pot still which is typically a dome made of copper with the Lyn arm extending out of the top going to the condenser coil.