"Dooley" tells the story of a man named Dooley who lived below a mill and had two daughters. He was known for having a forty-gallon still, with one daughter watching the boiler and the other watching the spout, while his mother corked the bottles. Dooley was a trader, bringing sugar and molasses into town. The revenuers came for him, but he managed to outsmart them and never lost his goods. However, when Dooley eventually passed away, the women felt no sorrow, while the men mourned his loss.

Meaning of "Dooley" by The Dillards

The lyrics of "Dooley" depict the life and actions of a moonshiner named Dooley, who is respected and recognized by people in his community. His lifestyle, marked by the production of illegal alcohol, is portrayed as a means for survival and making a living. Dooley is depicted as resourceful, knowledgeable, and cunning, managing to outwit the revenuers who sought to catch him. Although the women in the community show indifference towards his death, the men display a sense of loss and grief, perhaps reflecting their respect for his abilities and his contribution to their lives. The song reveals the contradictions of a society where illegal activities are both necessary and condemned, depicting an individual who embodies both a rebel and a provider for his community. The lyrics also capture themes of survival, resilience, and the bonds of community.