“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Have you ever heard a song that feels like opening a time capsule, one that takes you back to a moment in history while tugging at your heartstrings? That’s exactly what Josephine by Joey+Rory does. It’s not just a song—it’s a beautifully crafted letter, a story, and a piece of art that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable.
Josephine is written as a heartfelt letter from a Civil War soldier to his wife back home. The lyrics are steeped in raw emotion, painting a vivid picture of love, longing, and the sacrifices made during one of the most turbulent times in American history. What makes this song so special is how it captures the soldier’s vulnerability—his fears, his hopes, and his unwavering love for Josephine. You can almost feel the weight of the pen in his hand as he writes, unsure if this letter will ever reach her.
Joey Feek’s voice is the soul of this song. Her delivery is tender and haunting, as if she’s channeling the emotions of the soldier himself. There’s a quiet strength in her voice, one that perfectly matches the bittersweet tone of the song. Rory’s harmonies add depth, creating a sense of intimacy that makes you feel like you’re eavesdropping on a private moment between two people deeply in love.
The melody is simple yet powerful, with acoustic guitar and subtle instrumentation that let the lyrics take center stage. It’s the kind of song that doesn’t need flashy production because the story it tells is so compelling on its own. Every note, every word feels intentional, as if it’s been carefully placed to evoke the deepest emotions.
What’s truly remarkable about Josephine is how it connects the past with the present. Even though it’s set during the Civil War, its themes of love, separation, and hope are timeless. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by those who came before us and the enduring power of love to bridge even the greatest distances.
This song is a testament to Joey+Rory’s ability to tell stories through music. They don’t just sing—they invite you into a world, a moment, a feeling. And with Josephine, they’ve created something that lingers 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