“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Listening to Josephine by Joey+Rory feels like opening a timeworn letter from the past—one that’s brimming with love, longing, and the weight of history. This song is more than just music; it’s a story, a heartfelt narrative that transports you to the Civil War era, where a soldier pens a letter to his beloved Josephine. It’s raw, emotional, and deeply personal, as if you’re eavesdropping on a private moment frozen in time.
What makes Josephine so special is its ability to weave history and emotion into a single thread. The lyrics are written as a letter, capturing the soldier’s voice with such authenticity that you can almost feel the scratch of the pen on paper. He speaks of the hardships of war, the ache of separation, and the hope of reuniting with the woman he loves. It’s a love song, yes, but it’s also a reflection on sacrifice, resilience, and the human spirit.
Joey+Rory’s delivery is what truly brings this story to life. Rory’s warm, steady voice carries the weight of the soldier’s words, while Joey’s harmonies add a layer of tenderness that feels like Josephine herself is responding. The simplicity of the arrangement—acoustic guitar, gentle percussion, and a haunting fiddle—lets the story shine, making it feel intimate and timeless.
What’s remarkable about Josephine is how it connects with listeners on such a personal level. Even though it’s set in a specific historical context, the emotions it conveys—love, longing, and hope—are universal. It’s the kind of song that makes you pause and reflect, not just on the story it tells, but on your own relationships and the sacrifices people make for love.
This song is a testament to Joey+Rory’s gift for storytelling. They don’t just sing; they invite you into a world, a moment, a feeling. And with Josephine, they’ve created something that feels both deeply personal and profoundly universal—a song that lingers in your heart long after the last note fades.
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 doing 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 losing some weight but I’m still standing up straight, Josephine
Tell my children I miss ’em and wigh 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 wigh 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 wigh 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