“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Listening to Joey+Rory’s Josephine feels like opening a time capsule filled with longing, devotion, and the echoes of history. This deeply moving song, written by Rory Feek, is crafted as a letter from a soldier during the Civil War, pouring out his heart to the love of his life, Josephine. The narrative style makes the song feel less like a performance and more like a personal confession, pulling you into its tender and poignant world.
The song is a masterclass in storytelling, weaving together the universal themes of love, separation, and hope with a historical backdrop. Rory’s raw, soulful delivery is perfectly complemented by the simple, acoustic arrangement that allows the lyrics to shine. The stripped-down production mirrors the soldier’s sparse and challenging environment, making every word resonate even more.
One of the most compelling aspects of Josephine is how it blurs the lines between the past and the present. While it’s set in a historical context, the emotions it conveys—missing someone so deeply it aches, holding onto love despite immense obstacles—are timeless. The song transports you to another era while reminding you of the enduring power of love.
Joey+Rory, as a duo, have always had a knack for bringing authenticity and heart to their music, and Josephine is no exception. It stands out as a testament to their ability to tell stories that feel deeply personal, even when set against grand, sweeping themes.
If you’re a fan of songs that make you feel every word and leave you reflecting long after the last note fades, Josephine is a must-listen. It’s more than just a song—it’s a beautifully crafted love letter that lingers in your soul.
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