Cynaera wrote:
 
Cynaera AKA Ann Step Lucus is a ghost around these parts. I always see her posts on songs. She would move on to the next world within a year of this post. She passed on February 6, 2012 of a subdural hematoma, and was 55 years old. I never knew her, but wanted to elevate her spirit, as it seemed she had a kind one.

I had a girl in the war. She didn't make it through. I'll love her forever.

"Girl in the War" could have been the title of a cheap country throwaway. Instead Ritter makes it something magnificent.

FrankRizzo wrote:  

Cynaera is a part of our tribe and no one in the tribe ever dies as long as we continue to speak their name, tell their stories and sing their songs. 

Peace 

I still think this is a beautiful, evocative song. It tells a story without being bombastic. It creates images and thoughts without being invasive.  To me, it's an amazing work. I love Josh Ritter's work, but this song in particular moves me emotionally - and I'm a cynic, so it takes a lot to influence me.

That in this set it's prefaced by Beck's "Soldier Jane" doesn't impact the impact. Both songs stand on their own merits, and I love them both because of their messages.

Coat me in candy and call me a sucker.

Cynaera wrote:
 
RIP Ann.  No-one could write a comment like you.  We all miss you 😥

Cynaera wrote: 

Beautiful indeed

I also like the album cover art, the horse without a reflection and those gorgeous flowers, kind of soothing  

I always listen to this song from the standpoint of a parent with a daughter who battles severe depression.
How ever you care to decipher the lyrics, it's still a good song.
There are some comments in this thread from some wankers who like to dictate what we should be hearing and equating it with one's level of intelligence; they can kiss my ass.  

I've upgraded this from 8 to 9, especially in light of the fact that it came right after "Soldier Jane" by Beck.  It's a pretty powerful set of songs. May all wars end in our lifetime (which, in my case, better be in the next five years.) 

I've said it before and say it here again.  Josh Ritter is a first class songwriter. 

Pedro1874 wrote:
 

I am with you. I wish I'd known Ann. She is everywhere on RP and I'm grateful to see her comments and those of her friends. We all miss her, even those who never met her.

His shows at the Fillmore in San Francisco last year were fantastic.  On stage he fairly vibrates with excitement, radiates a genuine happiness to be performing.  I'm told he's like that in person.

Man I love the hell out of this song.

Bill is pulling out all the stops on this, the day before the 20th anniversary of 9/11. What a horrible, terrible, jarring, day that was. Everything stopped. It was a wake-up call to society like no day I have experienced in my life. Twenty years later, I don't think we really woke up, at least not collectively. It is saddest when a tragedy doesn't really end up in changes to the bigger system that might make the loss more bearable. 

This is such a well written piece. 10 4 me

Stingray wrote: 
INTOLERANCE is INDEED your go-to position.

Josh is a fantastic song writer. Check out "Another New World" that he wrote as well. The Punch Brothers covered it and typically plays it at their shows. It is a fan favorite. As Chris Thille once stated "I am very mad it wasn't me that wrote that song". I like seeing Josh on RP - wish we could get more Punch Brothers. There is nothing wrong with a mandolin or a banjo.

I knew you were going to play some Josh for me this Monday morning!!! I saw Josh in Victoria BC on Friday night and what a fantastic show he put on for us Islanders!!