“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Joey+Rory’s “Josephine” is a masterful ballad that feels like a love letter sent across time. Written with a poignant narrative style, the song dives deep into the emotions of longing, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion, evoking the raw humanity of relationships tested by war and distance. It’s the kind of song that stops you in your tracks and makes you listen—not just with your ears, but with your heart.
At its core, “Josephine” tells the story of a soldier writing to his beloved, Josephine, during the Civil War. The lyrics are drenched in both vulnerability and strength, painting vivid images of a man far from home, clutching onto the hope that his love will endure. Every line of the song feels like a glimpse into the soldier’s heart—his fears, his dreams, and his undying hope to be reunited with the woman he cherishes.
The genius of this song lies not only in its storytelling but also in its delivery. Joey’s angelic voice blends beautifully with Rory’s earthy, resonant tones, creating a duet that feels as timeless as the story they’re telling. The simplicity of the acoustic arrangement gives space for the lyrics to breathe, allowing every word to hit with maximum emotional impact.
What makes “Josephine” truly special is how it connects listeners to history while remaining deeply personal. It reminds us that love and longing are universal, transcending eras and circumstances. The letter might be addressed to Josephine, but its sentiments resonate with anyone who has ever missed someone or waited for their return.
Joey+Rory’s ability to craft songs that feel authentic and heartfelt is unmatched, and “Josephine” stands out as one of their most poignant works. It’s not just a song; it’s a journey—a bridge between the past and the present, connecting us to a story that’s as old as time but as relatable as a heartbeat.
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