06 Queen Of The Mountain Bootleggers

Queen of the Mountain Bootleggers

Becky Buller, Goodnight Sparky Music, BMI
Vicki Simmons, Coon Creek Music, BMI

All of Harlan County knew
Maggie Bailey's occupation
How she sold and sometimes brewed
Unlawful libations
East Kentucky poverty
Along with prohibition
And several younger mouths to feed
Encouraged her decision

Chorus: She was the queen of the mountain bootleggers
And bless her heart she's gone, long gone
Lord, we love her still

Only once in '41
Did the jury find her guilty 150 half-gallons
Put her in the penitentiary
Two years later, Mag came home
Clovertown was glad to see her
She proved herself an expert on
The laws of search and seizure

Chorus: She was the queen of the mountain bootleggers
And bless her heart she's gone, long gone
Lord, we love her still

She brought coal and groceries to
Needy friends and neighbors
Put several of their kids through school
With the fruits of her labors
She never drank a drop herself
Wouldn't sell to kids or drunkards
Politicians sought her help
Cuz everybody loved her

Chorus: She was the queen of the mountain bootleggers
And bless her heart she's gone, long gone
Lord, we love her still

Mag retired at 95
Content where life had led her
Swore 'til the day she died
"I'm glad I'm just a good old-fashioned bootlegger!"

Chorus: She was the queen of the mountain bootleggers
And bless her heart she's gone, long gone
Lord, we love her still

Tag: She was the queen of the mountain bootleggers
And bless her heart she's gone, long gone