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Introduction
There’s something timeless about Joey+Rory’s “Josephine.” It feels like stepping into a forgotten world where emotions are raw, letters are handwritten, and love is a lifeline. This hauntingly beautiful song, penned by Rory Feek, takes the form of a Civil War-era letter from a soldier to his wife, Josephine. With its deeply evocative storytelling and heartfelt delivery, it’s a masterpiece that resonates with anyone who’s ever been separated from someone they love.
The song is more than just a melody; it’s a window into a deeply personal story. Through Rory’s lyrics, you hear the soldier’s struggle — not just with the horrors of war, but with the ache of missing home and the woman he loves. There’s a vulnerability in his words, a longing that makes you feel the weight of the miles and the years between them.
Joey Feek’s tender voice brings a fragile beauty to the song, as though she’s carrying the letter in her hands and reading it aloud. Her delivery adds a layer of emotion that turns the story into something profoundly real. Together, Joey and Rory create a spellbinding atmosphere, blending their voices and emotions in a way that lingers long after the song ends.
What makes “Josephine” even more captivating is its ability to connect the past with the present. While the story is set during the Civil War, its themes of love, separation, and hope are universal. Whether you’re a history buff or just someone who loves a good story, this song reaches out and grabs you, reminding us of the timeless nature of human connection.
The instrumentation is simple yet powerful, with a folk and country blend that feels perfectly suited to the story. The acoustic guitar sets the tone, while the harmonica adds a mournful touch that mirrors the bittersweet emotions of the soldier’s words.
If you’re looking for a song that’s not just a listen but an experience, “Josephine” delivers. It’s a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who’ve fought and loved from a distance, a tribute to enduring hope, and a testament to Joey+Rory’s unmatched ability to tell a story through song.
This song isn’t just about Josephine; it’s about all of us. It invites you to pause, reflect, and feel the pull of love and memory across time. A masterpiece in every sense, it’s one of those rare tracks that you’ll carry with you, thinking about its story long after the final note fades.
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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