The Meaning Behind The Song: Copperhead Road by Steve Earle
Steve Earle’s Copperhead Road is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of listeners and topped the charts for years. While many have enjoyed the catchy tune and irresistible melody, the song’s true meaning is often overlooked. Copperhead Road is more than just a tale of bootlegging and moonshine; it’s a commentary on the human experience and the struggle of balancing tradition with change. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the song’s meaning and explore the story behind the lyrics.
The Inspiration Behind the Song
Copperhead Road was inspired by Steve Earle’s personal experiences growing up in Virginia. Earle’s family had a long history of working in the coal mining industry, and he spent most of his childhood in the Appalachian Mountains. As he grew older and began exploring the world beyond his small town, he became fascinated by the dichotomy between the traditional way of life he knew and the fast-paced modern world.
In an interview with The Guardian, Earle explained: “I was driving through the Appalachian Mountains one day, and I saw a sign that said ‘Copperhead Road.’ I knew where that was – it was an old bootlegging area where they made moonshine. And I thought, ‘What if a kid from that area – a kid with a foot in two different worlds – went to Vietnam?'”
The idea for Copperhead Road was born, and Earle began writing a song that would capture the essence of his upbringing and the struggle of balancing tradition with change.
The Story Behind The Lyrics
The lyrics of Copperhead Road tell the story of a man named John Lee Pettimore III, who comes from a long line of moonshiners. When he returns from serving in Vietnam, he decides to continue the family tradition of bootlegging. However, he quickly realizes that the world has changed, and law enforcement is cracking down on moonshining.
The chorus of the song describes John Lee making a batch of “copperhead” moonshine on Copperhead Road, which is so potent that it “could raise the dead.” He manages to sell the moonshine despite the risks, but eventually, he’s caught by the authorities and sent to prison.
The song’s final verse is a poignant commentary on the cyclical nature of life:
“Now Daddy ran the whiskey in a big block Dodge,
Bought it at an auction at the Mason’s Lodge,
Johnson County Sheriff painted on the side,
Just shot a coat of primer then he looked inside.
Well, him and my uncle tore that engine down,
I still remember that rumblin’ sound.
Well, the sheriff came around in the middle of the night,
Heard mama cryin’, knew something wasn’t right.
He was headed down to Knoxville with the weekly load,
You could smell the whiskey burnin’ down Copperhead Road.”
For John Lee’s family, moonshining is a way of life that’s passed down from generation to generation. Even when faced with the dangers of the law, they continue to make moonshine because it’s what they know and what they’ve always done.
The Meaning Behind The Song
Copperhead Road is more than just a catchy tune about moonshining. It’s a commentary on the human experience and the challenges of balancing tradition with change. John Lee Pettimore III represents the struggle that many people face when trying to reconcile their past with their future.
On one hand, John Lee wants to honor his family’s traditions and continue the legacy of moonshining. However, he’s also been through a traumatic experience in Vietnam and has seen firsthand how the world is changing. He knows that the old ways of doing things may not be sustainable in the long run.
Ultimately, John Lee’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of clinging too tightly to tradition and refusing to adapt to change. While there’s value in honoring the past, it’s also important to be open to new ideas and ways of doing things.
The Legacy of Copperhead Road
Copperhead Road has become one of Steve Earle’s most iconic songs, and its legacy has continued long after its release. In 2018, Rolling Stone named it one of the 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time. It’s been covered by countless artists, from Dolly Parton to Kid Rock, and remains a staple of country and rock radio.
More than three decades after its release, Copperhead Road still resonates with listeners and speaks to the universal human experience of trying to find a balance between tradition and progress. It’s a timeless anthem that will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
