We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.
/

about

This very popular traditional American tune extolling the virtues and the evils of whiskey has been performed and recorded by countless artists over the years.

Originally called “Jack of Diamonds”, the recorded and performed versions of this song vary greatly in lyrical content, but the equally playful and solemn message of the tune clearly speaks for itself.

lyrics

Rye whiskey, rye whiskey, rye whiskey I cry

If I don't get rye whiskey I surely will die



Jack of diamonds, jack of diamonds, I know you of old

You've robbed my poor pocket of silver and gold

Whiskey, you villain, you've been my downfall

You've kicked me, you've cuffed me, but I love you for all



They say I drink whiskey, my money is my own

And them that don't like me can leave me alone

I'll eat when I'm hungry, I'll drink when I'm dry

And when I get thirsty I'll lay down and cry



It's beefsteak when I'm hungry and whiskey when I'm dry

Greenbacks when I'm hard up and hell when I die

Baby, oh baby, I've told you before

You make me a pallet, I'll lay on the floor



If the ocean was whiskey and I was a duck

I would dive to the bottom and never come up

But the ocean ain't whiskey, and I ain't no duck

So I'll play jack of diamonds and trust to my luck



I’ll go up some holler, put corn in my still

I’ll make you one gallon for a ten dollar bill

Rye whiskey, rye whiskey, rye whiskey I crave

I’ll drink this rye whiskey till I’m laid in my grave



They say whiskey will kill you if it’s nothin’ but rye

I’m an old man past ninety and still mighty spry

If I see the sheriff comin’ I’ll run o’er the hill

I don’t want nobody to chop up my still

credits

from Am I Born to Die?, released October 20, 2015

license

tags

about

The Ghosts of Johnson City image

The Ghosts of Johnson City Portland, Maine

Based in Maine with musical roots in Appalachia and the Deep South, The Ghosts of Johnson City present simple and soulful versions of old mountain music, Civil War songs, coal-mining melodies, disaster chronicles, haunting murder ballads and tunes of love and loss in times of poverty. ... more

contact / help

Contact The Ghosts of Johnson City

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like The Ghosts of Johnson City, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Seafood Sam joins the show to discuss his newest album, " Standing On Giant Shoulders".
listen now