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Introduction
Listening to Joey+Rory’s “Josephine” feels like opening a timeworn letter from the Civil War era, where each word carries the weight of longing and love. The song unfolds as a poignant letter from a Confederate soldier to his wife, Josephine, vividly capturing his experiences on the battlefield and his deep yearning for home. The lyrics paint a heart-wrenching picture of the soldier’s hardships, from enduring harsh weather and illness to the haunting act of taking a young enemy’s life. Despite the grim realities of war, his love for Josephine remains a steadfast beacon of hope.
The inspiration behind “Josephine” is as compelling as the song itself. While researching their 1870s farmhouse in Tennessee, Rory Feek discovered letters written by J.W. Robison, a Confederate soldier, to his wife, Josephine, in December 1861. Moved by the poetic depth of these wartime correspondences, Rory channeled their essence into the song, bridging a century and a half to revive a love story that might have been forgotten.
Joey Feek’s soulful vocals breathe life into the soldier’s words, her delivery imbued with warmth and a touch of sorrow, encapsulating a love enduring unimaginable trials. The simplicity of the acoustic arrangement allows the narrative to shine, drawing listeners into the soldier’s world and making them feel as though they’re reading his heartfelt letter firsthand.
“Josephine” transcends its musical form, serving as a tribute to timeless love and the sacrifices of those separated by war. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has experienced deep longing or cherished a love from afar, reminding us of the enduring power of love even in the face of adversity.
For a visual complement to this touching narrative, the official music video further immerses viewers in the era and emotions depicted in the song.
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