The Moonshiner

For the 1916 film directed by Fatty Arbuckle, see The Moonshiners.

"The Moonshiner" is a folk song with disputed origins. It is believed that the song originated in America, then later was made famous in Ireland. Others believe that it was the other way around. The Clancy Brothers stated on their recording that the song is of Irish origin, but again, this is disputed. Delia Murphy was singing it in Ireland from the late 1930s. American country music singer Tex Ritter is famous for a song of similar tune and lyrics by the title "Jack of Diamonds" from as early as 1933. Bob Dylan recorded "Moonshiner" in 1963; this version was released on The Bootleg Series Volumes 1-3 (Rare & Unreleased) 1961-1991. The song has also been performed by Elliott Smith, Cat Power, Sons Of An Illustrious Father, Rumbleseat, Cast Iron Filter, Peter Rowan, Railroad Earth, Bob Forrest, Roscoe Holcomb, Uncle Tupelo, Jeffrey Foucault, The Tallest Man On Earth, The Floorbirds, Ben Manuel, Dear August, The 2nd St Rag Stompers, Tim Hardin, Charlie Parr, Oscar Lush, Punch Brothers, Fannigan's Isle, the Tumbling Bones,The Dad Horse Experience Rumbleseat,Redbird and Robert Francis