Introduction
“Josephine” is a poignant song by country duo Joey + Rory, featured as the opening track on their 2012 album, His and Hers. The song was inspired by a series of letters written by J.W. Robison, a Confederate soldier during the American Civil War, to his wife, Josephine. Rory Feek, one half of the duo, discovered these letters while researching the history of their 1870s farmhouse in Maury County, Tennessee. He was deeply moved by the raw emotion and poetic nature of the soldier’s words, despite the imperfect grammar and spelling.
The narrative of “Josephine” is crafted as a heartfelt letter from a soldier to his beloved wife, capturing the longing, fear, and hope experienced during wartime. The lyrics delve into themes of love, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of battle, reflecting the soldier’s deep yearning for his family and the uncertainty of his survival. The song’s emotional depth is further amplified by its historical context, offering listeners a glimpse into the personal struggles faced by those separated by war.
The impact of “Josephine” extended beyond the music itself. The song inspired Rory Feek to co-write and direct a Civil War drama titled Finding Josephine. The film tells the story of a young soldier’s wife who disguises herself as a man and enlists in the Confederate Army in a quest to find her missing husband. Filmed in Halifax County, Virginia, in 2015, the movie was screened at various film festivals and was later released nationwide in 2019.
“Josephine” stands as a testament to Joey + Rory’s ability to weave historical narratives into their music, creating songs that resonate deeply with listeners. The combination of authentic storytelling and emotive melodies ensures that “Josephine” remains a significant piece in the duo’s discography, reflecting their commitment to crafting songs that move people and tell meaningful stories.
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