“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Listening to Joey + Rory’s “Josephine” is like stepping into another era—a time when love was often expressed through letters, and the heart’s deepest longings had to travel across miles of distance. This beautifully crafted song is a heartfelt tribute to the power of love that endures, even in the most challenging of circumstances. The story behind “Josephine” is one that wraps you in nostalgia, with its soulful lyrics and a melody that feels like a warm embrace on a cold evening.
The song unfolds like a letter written by a soldier to his beloved wife, Josephine, during the Civil War. It’s a poignant and vivid narrative that takes you back to a time when communication was scarce and every letter carried the weight of unspoken emotions. Rory Feek’s rich, storytelling voice paired with Joey’s tender harmonies brings a depth that feels so personal—almost as if you’re reading a letter from someone you hold dear.
What makes “Josephine” truly special is the way it paints a picture of longing and hope, capturing the essence of love that transcends the physical distance between two hearts. You can almost feel the soldier’s yearning, his determination to survive the harsh realities of war just to see his beloved Josephine again. It’s a song about holding onto hope, even when the world seems to be falling apart—a theme that resonates with so many of us, especially in times of uncertainty.
Joey + Rory had a gift for creating songs that were deeply rooted in tradition, yet spoke to the heart in a timeless way. “Josephine” is no exception; it’s one of those songs that feels like it could’ve been sung around a campfire over a hundred years ago, yet it still resonates today. Their ability to weave a story through music is what made their work so special. And perhaps what makes this song even more poignant is knowing Joey’s own journey, her strength, and the love she and Rory shared, which was so beautifully captured in their music.
“Josephine” isn’t just a song; it’s a story—a love letter that feels as relevant today as it would have in the 1860s. It reminds us that love, when it’s true, can withstand the test of time, distance, and even the harshest of life’s battles. And isn’t that the kind of love we all dream of?
So, the next time you listen to “Josephine,” take a moment to close your eyes and imagine the soldier writing to his beloved. Feel the warmth of his words, the weight of his heart, and the hope that someday, somehow, they’ll be reunited. It’s a song that invites you to step into the story, to feel every emotion, and to remember that love is the thread that connects us all—no matter how far apart we may be.
Video
Lyrics
I’m writing this letter, my darling, from high on the hill
We’ve been marching ten days and we’re just outside Hopkinsville
It’s been snowing all night and we ain’t got no more kerosene
It’s colder than hell, hope you’re doin’ well, Josephine
There’s a fever in camp and our boys are too sick to fight
We done lost old Calvin, Beaver won’t make it through the night
I hope I heard the captain say it’s the worst he’s ever seen
I’m losin’ some weight but I’m still standin’ up straight, Josephine
Tell my children I miss ’em and wish I could kiss ’em once more
Bet they’ve grown a foot since they waved me goodbye at the door
Tell mama and daddy I’m alright and just want one more thing
I love you, I love you, I love you, Josephine
There’s three thousand union troops camped at the river below
There’s six hundreds of us, least there was two nights ago
When Erwin deserted they hung him down by the tree
God I’m so scared, keep me in your prayers, Josephine
Well the orders come down, we’ll attack tonight at nightfall
If we can stop them right here we can win this war once and for all
You know, I killed a union boy last week, bet he wasn’t fourteen
He looked just like our son, forgive me for what I’ve done, Josephine
Tell my children I miss ’em and wish I could kiss ’em once more
Bet they’ve grown a foot since they waved me goodbye at the door
Tell mama and daddy I’m alright and just want one more thing
I love you, I love you, I love you, Josephine
And lastly my darling, in case I should be killed
Don’t breathe me too long, promise me that you will
Marry another, don’t let him treat our babies mean
When he’s holding you, would you think of me too, Josephine?
Tell my babies I miss ’em and wish I could kiss ’em once more
Bet they’ve grown a foot since they waved me goodbye at the door
Tell mama and daddy I’m alright and just want one more thing
I love you, I love you, I love you, Josephine
I love you, I love you, I love you, Josephine