The Moonshiner is a folk song with disputed origins. It is believed that the song originated in America, then later was made famous in Ireland. Others believe that it was the other way around.

The Clancy Brothers stated on their recording that the song is of Irish origin, but again, this is disputed. Delia Murphy was singing it in Ireland from the late 1930s. American country music singer Tex Ritter is famous for a song of similar tune and lyrics by the title "Jack of Diamonds (song)" from as early as 1933.

Bob Dylan recorded "Moonshiner" around 1963; this version was released on The Bootleg Series Volumes 1-3 (Rare & Unreleased) 1961-1991. The song has also been performed by Elliott Smith, Cat Power, Rumbleseat, Cast Iron Filter, Railroad Earth, Bob Forrest, Roscoe Holcomb, Uncle Tupelo, Jeffrey Foucault, The Tallest Man On Earth, Jonathan Todd, The Floorbirds, and Fannigan's Isle. The lyrics are: I'm a rambler, I'm a gambler,I'm a long way from homeAnd if you don't like me,Well, leave me aloneI'll eat when I'm hungry,I'll drink when I'm dryAnd if moonshine don't kill me,I'll live til I dieI've been a moonshiner for many a yearI've spent all me money on whiskey and beerI'll go to some hollow, I'll set up my stillAnd I'll make you a gallon for a ten shilling billI'll go to some hollow in this count-er-yTen gallons of wash I can go on a spreeNo women to follow, the world is all mineI love none so well as I love the moonshineOh, moonshine, dear moonshine, oh, how I love theeYou killed me old father, but ah you try meNow bless all moonshiners and bless all moonshineTheir breath smells as sweet as the dew on the vineI'm a rambler, I'm a gambler,I'm a long way from homeAnd if you don't like me,Well, leave me aloneI'll eat when I'm hungry,I'll drink when I'm dryAnd if moonshine don't kill me,I'll live til I die

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