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Josh Ritter — Girl In The War
Album: The Animal Years
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2436









Released: 2006
Length: 4:19
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Peter said to Paul you know all those words we wrote
Are just the rules of the game and the rules are the first to go
But now talking to God is Laurel begging Hardy for a gun
I got a girl in the war man I wonder what it is we done

Paul said to Peter you got to rock yourself a little harder
Pretend the dove from above is a dragon and your feet are on fire
But I got a girl in the war Paul the only thing I know to do
Is turn up the music and pray that she makes it through

Because the keys to the kingdom got locked inside the kingdom
And the angels fly around in there but we can't see them
I got a girl in the war Paul I know that they can hear me yell
If they can't find a way to help her they can go to hell
If they can't find a way to help her they can go to hell

Paul said to Peter you got to rock yourself a little harder
Pretend the dove from above is a dragon and your feet are on fire
But I got a girl in the war Paul her eyes are like champagne
They sparkle bubble over and in the morning all you got is rain
They sparkle bubble over and in the morning all you got is rain
They sparkle bubble over and in the morning all you got is rain
Comments (233)add comment
 tinypriest wrote:gm

IrI don't know. No idea what this socng is about but get a feeling it's not as deep as it wants to be. LMaybe it's the Biblical references that don't land (what did ofPeter say to Paul again?). Americana can beir a bit full of itself, frankly.



 fingerpin wrote:
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. {#Moon} 


F8krf5ñjk
 raenvald wrote:

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




Some sick somebody down voted this. Let's pump it up.
But I got a girl in the war, Paul; 
her eyes are like champagne.
They sparkle, bubble over, 
and in the morning all you got is rain.

Man-oh-man, that's good.
I just came back from Ukraine and this song is like an anthem to me - to remember the heroic and courageous Ukrainian women and men fighting and just trying to exist in that war torn country.
I have liked this song since the first time I heard it on RP. But on this rainy morning of 2022, i made me tear up to hear in in the shadow of war on a continent where I had allowed myself to believe my children would grow up without that particular spectre. 
"listening to this, thinking of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, stay strong, stay safe! PEACE!
Terrific lyrics. Is the war over?
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. 
I've said it before and say it here again.  Josh Ritter is a first class songwriter. 
This is such a well written piece. 10 4 me
I don't know. No idea what this song is about but get a feeling it's not as deep as it wants to be. Maybe it's the Biblical references that don't land (what did Peter say to Paul again?). Americana can be a bit full of itself, frankly.
7->8
 Pedro1874 wrote:

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

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.
 FrankRizzo 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.
 

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 hear Springsteen's inspiration.
Wonderful live - he is possibly the happiest performer I've had the privilege to see. (Amazing yet such a sad song for such a happy guy)
The Punch Brothers do an incredible cover of Josh Ritter's "Another New World". Watching them perform the song live can bring a grown man to tears. I would love to hear this on RP, and generally think more Punch Brothers would be enjoyed by all. 

Josh Ritter is an extremely talented song writer. 
 raenvald wrote:
I had a girl in the war. She didn't make it through. I'll love her forever.
 
I guess the h8r that down voted this comment (for reasons that I can only imagine are callous) is the same one that down voted the second highest comment in this thread.  Sad.
 Cynaera wrote:
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.
 
RIP Ann.  No-one could write a comment like you.  We all miss you 😥
 hayduke2 wrote:


Beautiful indeed

I also like the album cover art, the horse without a reflection and those gorgeous flowers, kind of soothing  
 
RIP  Anne - No-one could write a comment like you.  We all miss you 😥

Josh is doing live sets called the "Silo Sessions" on Tuesday evenings while we're all stuck at home


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8P84JwylBMLNj4xs1Q02tA
There was just a truck backing up down the street, and it was perfectly in-tune and on-time with this song.  I didn't want it to stop.
 Cynaera wrote:
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.{#Daisy}
 
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.
Always reminds me of the cadence in Ode to Billy Joe. Everything's been done at least once already.
Absolutely beautiful lyrics.
 gregormiz wrote:

The power of this song struck me.  I listened, I listened harder.  I protested, I called my congressmen, I voted...

Now it has struck me enough times that it's just wallpaper.

I'm glad that it's fallen out of heavy rotation. 
 

I can't imagine a world in which a song would affect me to the extent that it would lead me to protest and affect my personal choice in an election THAT I would then later describe as "wallpaper".  Music just isn't that disposable to me.

Josh Ritter was fantastic when he wrote this in 2005 and has only gotten better and better over the years.  To see him in concert is to see a man that expresses joy in what he does.  I've seen him 4 times over the years.  Always a top notch musical experience.
I don't know where you're headed, Josh, but I'm coming with. 
NO.
 misterbearbaby wrote:
This is like having radioactive doggie-doo squirted into your ears. How many times since 2005, say, have you heard variations this exact flavor of poorly-crafted crap ?  Talentless. Uninteresting. Sad.
 

2005? Try 1964. "Mama said to papa what's happened to your appetite? I've been cooking all day and you haven't touched a single bite."

Every time I hear this song, Ode to Billie Joe starts playing in my head.
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.
Great lyrics, but can't say the music particularly moves me....
This is like having radioactive doggie-doo squirted into your ears. How many times since 2005, say, have you heard variations this exact flavor of poorly-crafted crap ?  Talentless. Uninteresting. Sad.
Is he related to Tex Ritter or John Ritter of Three's Company?
Nice segue from a electronica track Bill!
 oldsaxon wrote:

Someone stole your girl for cash. Be angry.

 

hee
 raenvald wrote:
I had a girl in the war. She didn't make it through. I'll love her forever.
 
Someone stole your girl for cash. Be angry.

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.


πέτρα pétra, “stone, rock”.
 
have not heard this before.....great segue from Jason Isbell! 
 Stingray wrote:


INTOLERABLE was the word I could not find!

INDEED!!!

 
INTOLERANCE is INDEED your go-to position.
I had a girl in the war. She didn't make it through. I'll love her forever.
This guy is so good.  Not sure why he is not bigger.  Last 3 albums have been about as good as it gets.  Great songwriter.
"Girl in the War" could have been the title of a cheap country throwaway. Instead Ritter makes it something magnificent.
Right Moves
To the Dogs Or Whomever
Girl in the War 


It's hard to top lyrics like that. Songwriting, melodies, storytelling = images that draw the emotions to what matters. 




 
5 bonus points for using the phrase "The dove from above" - not sure if that had any reference to Vic 'n Bob, but good call anyway.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mT_0_NsZ6nc
 Cynaera wrote:
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.

 

Beautiful indeed

I also like the album cover art, the horse without a reflection and those gorgeous flowers, kind of soothing  
 atthetone wrote:
Great song, reminds a bit of Gomez's style....imo

 
Yes! well spotted. 
Great song, reminds a bit of Gomez's style....imo
2 for 2 Josh, that's pretty good mate.
 Dangerpussy wrote:
More Josh Ritter, pretty please with a kitten on top.
 
{#Roflol}  {#Hearteyes}
I like the episode where he, Larry, and Janice get into that mix-up at the Regal Beagle. Or the one when Mr. Farley thought he was "funny."

Seriously though, I like this song.
 vandal wrote:

I've seen two brothers off to fight two meaningless wars, one of them 3 times.  Power is what you perceive it to be.  

peace
 

 



Right On.
really nice song (a bit too much, but the sincerity holds it together) but the album cover art is stunning.
 Proclivities wrote:

If this song were to be performed by Counting Crows, it would have the obligatory, painful, nasal yelping of Adam Duritz, which, for many, would be an understandable reason for disliking it.

 
{#Lol}

 Proclivities wrote:

If this song were to be performed by Counting Crows, it would have the obligatory, painful, nasal yelping of Adam Duritz, which, for many, would be an understandable reason for disliking it.

 

roger that...
 vit wrote:

Maybe if it had a touch of power to it I would (this coming from somebody who saw a loved one headed off to fight in a meaningless war).
 
I've seen two brothers off to fight two meaningless wars, one of them 3 times.  Power is what you perceive it to be.  

peace
 

 linden wrote:
Nice segue from the Counting Crows to this song, which sounds a lot like the Counting Crows and almost could have been done by them. Of course, if it had been done by them, it would be obligatory on the part of many people to hate it on principle.
 
If this song were to be performed by Counting Crows, it would have the obligatory, painful, nasal yelping of Adam Duritz, which, for many, would be an understandable reason for disliking it.

A bit of variation on the 3-note descending sequence would have been nice. A nailed on Ho-Hum, I'm afraid {#Sleep}
More Josh Ritter, pretty please with a kitten on top.
Very nice.
 linden wrote:
Nice segue from the Counting Crows to this song, which sounds a lot like the Counting Crows and almost could have been done by them. Of course, if it had been done by them, it would be obligatory on the part of many people to hate it on principle.
 
word.
Right you are, Linden, although I'm not sure what 'principle' could convince someone to not take any music at face value and judge it that way.


Saw him last year with John Prine.  Great show.


 
solrac wrote:
great song by ritter. will be looking for concert days, front row!!!
 

 vandal wrote:

Maybe you need to see one of your loved ones headed off to fight in a meaningless war before the power of this song strikes you. . .

 
Maybe if it had a touch of power to it I would (this coming from somebody who saw a loved one headed off to fight in a meaningless war).

this song after Van Morrison's Sweet thing... two references to "champagne eyes"... nice



great song by ritter. will be looking for concert days, front row!!!
Yes, I heard it right, there's a "dove from above" in the lyrics, although not in the usual Northern(-English) accent.
I can not possibly take this seriously now, sorry... {#Cheesygrin}

See also e.g.
https://www.google.com/search?q=dove.from.above+shooting.stars
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mT_0_NsZ6nc

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. {#Moon} 
Ok, I just completely changed my comment here.  I used to say that this was just interesting enough to keep me saying "this does not suck and I'm not going to mute this."

I have "Historical Conquests..." and I think it's time to dig it out and give it another shot.

Take a dose of Death Cab and add more layers of instruments and a little bit of this and that and you got this song. Simply put, a win.
Nice segue from the Counting Crows to this song, which sounds a lot like the Counting Crows and almost could have been done by them. Of course, if it had been done by them, it would be obligatory on the part of many people to hate it on principle.
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.
 vandal wrote:

Maybe you need to see one of your loved ones headed off to fight in a meaningless war before the power of this song strikes you. . .
 
The power of this song struck me.  I listened, I listened harder.  I protested, I called my congressmen, I voted...

Now it has struck me enough times that it's just wallpaper.

I'm glad that it's fallen out of heavy rotation. 

Maybe you need to see one of your loved ones headed off to fight in a meaningless war before the power of this song strikes you. . .

Great song. Very simple yet deep
{#Boohoo}
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.)  {#Daisy}
 jagdriver wrote:

You said it, brother. Mute.

EDIT: 2/4/10 Downgrading from 2 to 1. This is intolerable.
 

INTOLERABLE was the word I could not find!

INDEED!!!
ENDLESSLY BORING!

NO MELODY, NO HARMONY, NO RYTHM, NO THRILL

Frankly - I would NEVER EVER think about releasing such
a piece of boring BS!

Imagine this live - nightmarish!
Peter said to Paul
"All those words that we wrote
Are just the rules of the game and the rules are the first to go"
But now talkin' to God is Laurel beggin' Hardy for a gun
I gotta girl in the war, man I wonder what it is we done

Paul said to Petey
"You gotta rock yourself a little harder;
Pretend the dove from above is a dragon and your feet are on fire"
And I got a girl in the war, Paul the only thing I know to do
Is turn up the music and pray that she makes it through

Because the keys to the kingdom got locked inside the kingdom
And the angels fly around in there, but we can't see them
And I gotta girl in the war, Paul I know that they can hear me yell
If they can't find a way to help, they can go to Hell
If they can't find a way to help her, they can go to Hell

Paul to Petey "you gotta rock yourself a little harder;
Pretend the dove from above is a dragon and your feet are on fire"
But I gotta girl in the war, Paul her eyes are like champagne
They sparkle, bubble over, in the morning all you got is rain
Sparkle, bubble over, in the morning all you got is rain
They sparkle, bubble over, in the morning all you got is rain

 

Repetitive, but still very poignant and sad - especially if this truly does pertain to the war in Iraq... I love Josh Ritter's work.



I thought that this song had intriguing lyrics the first few times I heard it.  Since then, (several times per week for the last four years?) it has gotten really, really tired.  The melody is simple, and once you have heard it enough times, the lyrics are just trite.

Sorry, but I listen to this feed too much.  I work at home, and it's on about 16/7.  Heavy rotation grates on me.  {#Ask} 
{#Yawn}  {#Yawn}{#Yawn}{#Yawn}
 Dancing_banana wrote:
I'm going to see Josh next Wednesday at the TLA in Philadelphia. Can't wait!
 

Going to see him in Charlotte, NC on Wednesday. Saw him open for Gomez a few years ago. Can't wait to see him as a "headliner!"
I find this so sad
10
 KermitDfrog wrote:

Last week I saw him open for John Prine in Los Angeles.  He was so excited to be on tour with John Prine, it was cute.

 
Can you blame him?  I'd be excited to be in the same zip code as John Prine.

 jadewahoo wrote:

Me too... in the back of my throat {#Puke}
 
You said it, brother. Mute.

EDIT: 2/4/10 Downgrading from 2 to 1. This is intolerable.


 Dancing_banana wrote:
I'm going to see Josh next Wednesday at the TLA in Philadelphia. Can't wait!
 
Nice band! Very positive vibes!

I'm going to see Josh next Wednesday at the TLA in Philadelphia. Can't wait!
the themes that rolls along with this song ...
overarching spirit and takes my soul somewhere ... dunno where, doesn't matter.
along with that roll ... there's always a woman connected to it ...
in the distance, fading away from the horizon ...
gone 
 MetroOwl wrote:
Gotta love this song
 
...Her eyes are like champagne
Sparkle bubble over and
In the morning all you've got is rain...
 
Beautiful lyrics. {#Music}
 Stefen wrote:
This song really touches me.
 
Me too... in the back of my throat {#Puke}
 Stefen wrote:
This song really touches me.
 
Same with me. {#Sunny}
This song really touches me.
He's headed here this week.....can not wait!!!!
Nice.

"All those words that we wrote
Are just the rules of the game and the rules are the first to go"
But now talkin' to God is Laurel beggin' Hardy for a gun


9

Nice beat! {#Drummer}
 Darlington wrote:


Yeah, I saw him open for Gomez about a month ago and he was incredible. Definitely awesome stage presence.
 
Last week I saw him open for John Prine in Los Angeles.  He was so excited to be on tour with John Prine, it was cute.

Beautiful song
 avidlistener wrote:

I love this artist and song. Josh is so talented, his songwriting is matched by his incredible voice and awesome stage presence!


 

Yeah, I saw him open for Gomez about a month ago and he was incredible. Definitely awesome stage presence.


"Paul said to Peter you got to rock yourself a little harder... "

 dkeifer wrote:
I've got a boy in the war {#Cry}
 
We do too .. a chip off the old block like his daddy.

Very reminiscent of Tex Ritter's ballads ... nice!

I love this artist and song. Josh is so talented, his songwriting is matched by his incredible voice and awesome stage presence!


"The dove from above" line reminds me of the inimitable TV show Shooting Stars...which is the most interesting thing about this ho-hum number, IMHO.
 dkeifer wrote:
I've got a boy in the war {#Cry}
 

Me, too.  He's headed back again soon, too.
 dkeifer wrote:
I've got a boy in the war {#Cry}
 
I'm holding all good thoughts for you & him.
Outstanding song, album, and artist. Saw him live in Baltimore last Spring - one of the best shows ever. He has a heart as big as the prairie and a poet's soul.

I've got a boy in the war {#Cry}
LOVE this song.  More Josh Ritter please!
{#Yawn}
Gotta love this song
 
 
...Her eyes are like champagne
Sparkle bubble over and
In the morning all you've got is rain...


nigelr wrote:
Lovely seque from Van.


Might be the only 2 songs on RP that reference eyes of champagne.

"her eyes are like champagne..."
nice
Lovely seque from Van.
 philbertr wrote:


Hum, regular listener for many years and this is the first time I've heard it. What are the odds?
 
Interesting, first time for me too. And I've been listening for about 3 years now.

8 -> 9
tony620d wrote:
God I am sick of this damn song. There should be a 50 limit play time on RP, this one hit 2000 I think.
Hum, regular listener for many years and this is the first time I've heard it. What are the odds?