The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June's Jug Band - Kentucky Shine

The Burgoo Boys and Uncle June's Jug Band are at it again; this  time in a song that mentions many of the things Kentucky is known for, with the main item being Kentucky Shine, or moonshine. Uncle June himself is the soloist in his unique voice.  The Boys like the variety of instruments and players Uncle June has access to, and they plan to collaborate much more in the future. 

The term moonshine was given to illegal corn whiskey that was many times made at night to try and avoid detection. There are many legal distillers of moonshine, but there is still a small group that do it on the sly illegally to avoid the costs of licenses and the expense of a distillery that is subject to state inspection and regulation. Despite some states having laws that permit a limited amount of moonshine made for personal use, there remains a federal law against it. 

Uncle June

Making moonshine can be dangerous on different levels. Straight alcohol creates vapor which is highlyflammable, especially in an enclosed space and can explode, so adequate ventilation is needed. Even static electricity can ignite the vapors. Then there's toxic substances that can contaminate the alcohol. Lead can come from using the wrong items to make a still, for example. Then there's the liquid that comes directly after the initial product of the still, called the Head. It contains traces of toxic materials such as acetone and formaldehyde and should never be consumed. The byproducts of fermentation that are contained in the aftershot, or very last liquid from the still are also toxic and should not be consumed. Seems to us that there's more danger in the stuff than it's worth! After all, like Uncle June says: But if ya'll can't handle the stuff, we all wanna reassure, use it fer cleanin' car engines, makes a damn good degreaser! But make sure you do it in a well ventilated area and don't smoke! 

Taint got no fancy bottle 
Or frilly label neither
Don't drink too much or it might
Knock you out like a snort of ether

The Great State of Kentucky  
Is known for many things
Bluegrass music keeps the state
Smilin' happy as it sings

Got horses a plenty too
And the famous Derby race 
Louisville slugger baseball bats
Help the batters keep a pace

Kentucky Fried Chicken as well 
That's known around the world 
And the finest bourbon whiskey
In glasses of ice that's swirled

And don't forget the classic dish
We'll mention special stew
A really long cooked tasty bowl
Of home cooked thick Burgoo 

But there’s still one thing that's left
We wanna mention 'fore we're through
Pistol packin', wallopin'
Gullet burnin' mountain dew!

Taint got no fancy bottle 
Or frilly label neither
Don't drink too much or it might
Knock you out like a snort of ether

Home brewed in them thar hills
By bootleggers young and old
Tradition has fruit jars filled
With clear alcoholic gold

A quart'll last ya a while
But damn, take it nice and slow
A little bit'll make ya smile
But too much'll make ya crow!

Proof numbers in triple digits
Don't git it near no open flame!
Treat it right or ya'll be sorry 
Gits away it'll be hard to tame!

Taint got no fancy bottle 
Or frilly label neither
Don't drink too much or it might
Knock you out like a snort of ether

First time drinkers will think it's like
Suckin' on a fire burnin' match 
It'll scorch yer mouth, torch yer craw
In heat that'll be hard to match

But if ya'll can't handle the stuff
We all wanna reassure
Use it fer cleanin' car engines
Makes a damn good degreaser

Taint got no fancy bottle 
Or frilly label neither
Don't drink too much or it might
Knock you out like a snort of ether