The narrator has been a moonshiner for seventeen years, spending all his money on whiskey and beer. He sets up his still in hollows, selling a gallon for ten dollars, then drinks with friends at the bar, lamenting the women who can't follow. He reflects on the fleeting pleasures of life, from sweet breath to basic needs, ending with the realization that life is like an empty bottle.

Meaning of "Moonshiner" by Punch Brothers

The lyrics of "Moonshiner" by Punch Brothers paint a somber picture of a man caught in a cycle of alcoholism and loneliness. The narrator's confession of being a moonshiner for seventeen years reveals a life consumed by the pursuit of temporary pleasures and escape from reality. Despite the narrator's longing for pretty women and companionship, his unhealthy relationship with alcohol has likely driven them away. The references to food, drink, money, and religion highlight the basic human needs and desires that remain unfulfilled, emphasizing the emptiness of a life spent solely on indulgence. The closing lines suggest a sense of resignation and despair, with the narrator acknowledging that his existence may be hollow and ultimately purposeless. Overall, "Moonshiner" serves as a poignant reflection on the destructive nature of addiction and the search for meaning in a life defined by self-destructive behavior.