I am a musician from Gastonia. The Gastonia Gallop compilation has a Dave McCarn--of "Cotton Mill Colic" fame---- version of "Bay Rum Blues" that is extended. My question is "who wrote that song?" There are variations of the song, but where did it originate? There was an old Rayless store in town for years, but no longer in business. I am sure they sold the tonic. I recall my father-in-law talking about the bay rum drinkers in the 20's and 30's. Another popular tonic/drink was "Polly Peach." The "railer's chain" makes sense. There were other songs from that era that referenced that particular sentence for breaking the law...."Walk Right in Belmont." For sure alcohol was a problem in Gaston County at that time. Also, the churches were financed by the mill owners, who definitely wanted their workers sober and ready for work on Monday morning. I am certain that "demon rum" was the subject of many a sermon. Royce Robinson