Made up of singer Brad Tabor, lead guitarist Zach Lindsey, bassist Josh London and steel guitarist Alex Lindsey, the Josephines are the embodiment of the country rebel spirit.
Formed in 2017 in a bid to "have fun, make some cash & raise a little hell," the boys have been doubling down on that mission statement since day one. Combining dense, smooth harmonies ala Midland and the Eagles, moody story telling reminiscent of Tom Waits or Blaze Foley, a dash of pop songwriting sheen courtesy of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers & all the rock n roll energy of the best Foo Fighters show, the Josephines are on a path all their own and invite everyone to join the ride.
Appalachian Mountain Blues
The Josephines Lyrics
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Who you gonna call
When your well runs dry
Where you gonna lay your head at tonight
Your brother called
Ain’t a need to go home
The sheriff’s been waiting And they done closed down the road
Fire in the hills
And smoke from the stills
I heard a rattling of bottles
Filled with a cocktail of pills
I heard angel’s sing for sympathy
Thy were looking at you
They were talking about me
It’s those Appalachian Mountain blues
It’s the life we live but we did not choose
It’s those Appalachian Mountain blues
There’s something in the water that wont turn me loose
Mobile home been blown sky high
Methamphetamine gonna take your life
Saint Peter ill not welcome you
You’ve gone missing an we all know the truth
It’s those Appalachian Mountain blues
It’s the life we live but we did not choose
It’s those Appalachian Mountain blues
It’s those Appalachian Mountain blues
It’s the life we live but we did not choose
It’s those Appalachian Mountain blues
There’s something in the water that wont turn me loose
The lyrics of The Josephines's song "Appalachian Mountain Blues" paint a vivid picture of the challenges and realities faced by individuals living in the Appalachian region. The first verse sets the scene of hardship and desperation, asking the listener who they will turn to when they are in need, when even the basic necessity of water is scarce. There is a sense of displacement and uncertainty as the singer is unable to find a place to rest their head, with even their own home no longer being a safe haven due to the interference of authorities.
The imagery of fire in the hills and smoke from the stills suggests a community rife with illegal activities and substance abuse, with bottles filled with a dangerous concoction indicating a culture of addiction and self-destruction. The mention of angels singing for sympathy adds a haunting element, implying a sense of divine judgment or intervention in the midst of turmoil. The reference to the Appalachian Mountain blues as a pervasive force affecting both the singer and those around them speaks to the inescapable nature of the hardships faced in this environment.
The lyrics delve further into the dark underbelly of life in the Appalachian mountains, highlighting the destructive impact of methamphetamine and the tragic consequences it can have on individuals and their families. The mention of Saint Peter, a figure often associated with judgment in Christian beliefs, refusing to welcome someone who has succumbed to addiction underscores the harsh reality of the situation. There is a sense of inevitability and loss as the truth of the singer's fate is acknowledged by the community.
Throughout the song, the repetition of the refrain "It’s those Appalachian Mountain blues, It’s the life we live but we did not choose, There’s something in the water that wont turn me loose" conveys a deep sense of resignation and acceptance of the challenging circumstances that define life in the region. The water, symbolizing both sustenance and perhaps a metaphor for the environment and culture that shapes the characters' lives, is portrayed as an inescapable force that has a grip on their destinies. In essence, the lyrics of "Appalachian Mountain Blues" capture the complex mix of despair, resilience, and fatalism that characterizes the experiences of those living in the Appalachian mountains.
Line by Line Meaning
Who you gonna call
When you're facing hardships, who will you turn to for help?
When your well runs dry
When you have nothing left, where will you find sustenance?
Where you gonna lay your head at tonight
When you have nowhere to go, where will you find shelter?
Your brother called
Your family is reaching out to you
Ain’t a need to go home
Home is not a safe place for you
The sheriff’s been waiting
Authorities are looking for you
And they done closed down the road
There is no easy way out of this situation
Fire in the hills
There are dangerous situations happening all around
And smoke from the stills
The illegal activities in the area are causing problems
I heard a rattling of bottles
There is a lot of drug use and abuse
Filled with a cocktail of pills
People are self-medicating to cope with their pain
I heard angel’s sing for sympathy
There is a sense of desperation and longing for help
Thy were looking at you
The attention is now focused on you
They were talking about me
People are gossiping about the situation
It’s those Appalachian Mountain blues
The struggles of living in the mountains are weighing heavily on us
It’s the life we live but we did not choose
We are trapped in this way of life, not by choice
There’s something in the water that wont turn me loose
The environment and circumstances are keeping us bound to this life
Mobile home been blown sky high
The destruction and chaos are ever present
Methamphetamine gonna take your life
The drug addiction in the area is deadly
Saint Peter ill not welcome you
There is a sense of judgment and exclusion
You’ve gone missing and we all know the truth
You are lost in this life, and we can see the reality of the situation
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Bradley Tabor, David Page, Joshua London, Pierce Alex Lindsey, Zachary Lindsey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind