Introduction
“Josephine” is a poignant song by the country duo Joey + Rory, featured on their 2012 album “His and Hers.” The song’s narrative is inspired by real-life letters from the Civil War era, adding depth and authenticity to its storytelling.
While researching the history of their 1870s farmhouse in Maury County, Tennessee, Rory Feek discovered letters written by a Confederate soldier named John Robison to his wife, Josephine, in December 1861. Despite the soldier’s lack of formal education, his letters were imbued with profound emotion and poetic expression, reflecting his longing and love for his family amidst the uncertainties of war.
Moved by these heartfelt correspondences, Rory Feek penned “Josephine,” crafting lyrics that convey the soldier’s experiences and emotions. The song is structured as a series of letters from the soldier to his wife, detailing the harsh realities of war, his deep yearning for home, and his enduring love for Josephine. Lines such as “Tell my children I miss ’em and wish I could kiss ’em once more” encapsulate the personal sacrifices and emotional turmoil faced by those separated from their loved ones during wartime.
The release of “Josephine” was accompanied by a music video that visually portrays the song’s narrative, further immersing the audience in the historical context and emotional landscape of the era. The video enhances the storytelling by depicting scenes that mirror the soldier’s experiences as described in the lyrics.
The song’s impact extended beyond the realm of music, inspiring Rory Feek to co-write a screenplay for a full-length film titled “Josephine.” Collaborating with his friend Aaron Carnahan, Feek aimed to bring the story to the big screen, highlighting the historical significance and emotional depth of the narrative. The project sought to shed light on the personal stories of those affected by the Civil War, particularly focusing on the experiences of women who disguised themselves as men to join the battle in search of their loved ones.
To fund the film, Feek launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2015, seeking support from fans and history enthusiasts alike. The campaign underscored the challenges of producing an authentic Civil War film on a limited budget and highlighted the collaborative effort required to bring such a heartfelt story to life.
“Josephine” stands as a testament to Joey + Rory’s dedication to storytelling through music, blending historical inspiration with emotional resonance. The song not only pays tribute to the enduring power of love amidst adversity but also showcases the duo’s commitment to preserving and sharing poignant narratives from the past.
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