In my undergrad English Lit program I took a class called "Visions and Revisions" with an incredible professor. We read source material and then creative re-visionings of them--eg Beowulf and then Grendel. One group of writings was Apocrypha, which were specifically about the Spirit visiting Mary. In those writings she was very afraid, uncertain, and not at all jazzed to be some kind of deity mule. We then read The Handmaid's Tale. As you can see, I've never, EVER forgotten that material. I think about it now more than ever. I'm a "saw you at a free concert in Copley Square, Boston" years old fan. Grateful for your art and humanity-always.
Beekeepers and botanists like to plant contrasting colors of wildflowers together (violet and pale yellow, deep pink and white) because bees are more attracted to flowers that stand out from one another. The deeper the contrast, the happier the bee, the sweeter the honey.
That's how I feel listening to your work. You've got bitter notes in your happiest songs and great warmth in your saddest (the last verse of Another New World always makes me cry). Nobody writes the coexistence of the sacred and the profane the way you do.
Well, I think we'll have to probably disagree on our conclusions about Mary at this point, but I do appreciate your poetry and perspectives, even on a sensitive issue like this. It's all part of the conversation. Peace
I noticed in reading the comments here that your fans are the type that appreciate that life is neither all rosy, nor is it a hopeless thing. I am one of those, and like you, was raised in the Christian faith, a sweetly and honestly, open branch that welcomed seekers with deep and honest questions, perhaps that is what resonates for me in your music. It could be that for sure, I do love a good story, but it's also the humor and the poetry... Again, thanks for what you do and for letting us in.
We are so fortunate to live in a time where an artist is revealing the background and meaning in a piece that is destined to be a classic song that can be used for both purposes of division and unification in much the same way Luke said Jesus did. I am not Bible literate, only bible topical. So, please don't expect me to quote book and verse. Anyway, this topic of community as opposed to a particular way to view god as a means of unification I think may not be anything new, however the bravery to put this concept so bravery in the context of Christianity seems revolutionary to me. I may be biased. I am not shy in my admittance that I do honor Josh Ritter's poetry with a reverence that some people put to their religon. However, that doesn't mean to say much of anything at all. I am writing in a moment with a mind that is slightly sleep deprived and would, without be proper focus, be all over the place.
I listened to “Noah’s Children” on Saturday. Very good.
I read a review of your music once that mentioned the religious components of your lyrics. My recollection is that the reviewer thought that your lyrics neither promoted nor condemned religious ideas. But did honest questioning. That’s kind of like my “faith” - I’m more of a wonder’er if that’s a thing.
In my undergrad English Lit program I took a class called "Visions and Revisions" with an incredible professor. We read source material and then creative re-visionings of them--eg Beowulf and then Grendel. One group of writings was Apocrypha, which were specifically about the Spirit visiting Mary. In those writings she was very afraid, uncertain, and not at all jazzed to be some kind of deity mule. We then read The Handmaid's Tale. As you can see, I've never, EVER forgotten that material. I think about it now more than ever. I'm a "saw you at a free concert in Copley Square, Boston" years old fan. Grateful for your art and humanity-always.
Beekeepers and botanists like to plant contrasting colors of wildflowers together (violet and pale yellow, deep pink and white) because bees are more attracted to flowers that stand out from one another. The deeper the contrast, the happier the bee, the sweeter the honey.
That's how I feel listening to your work. You've got bitter notes in your happiest songs and great warmth in your saddest (the last verse of Another New World always makes me cry). Nobody writes the coexistence of the sacred and the profane the way you do.
Well, I think we'll have to probably disagree on our conclusions about Mary at this point, but I do appreciate your poetry and perspectives, even on a sensitive issue like this. It's all part of the conversation. Peace
I noticed in reading the comments here that your fans are the type that appreciate that life is neither all rosy, nor is it a hopeless thing. I am one of those, and like you, was raised in the Christian faith, a sweetly and honestly, open branch that welcomed seekers with deep and honest questions, perhaps that is what resonates for me in your music. It could be that for sure, I do love a good story, but it's also the humor and the poetry... Again, thanks for what you do and for letting us in.
It would be interesting to consider if Mary had said ‘no thanks’ to the Angel Gabriel. Where would the story have gone from there?
I suspect Gabriel and by extension God, would have honoured her voice. Meanwhile, Mary writes her own poetry in response!
Thanks, as always, Josh.
I love this song. I have long loved your music, your beautiful points of view, your unusual and insightful perspectives.
But, Mary WAS asked. It’s kind of the point.
I was raised Catholic, and the entire reason ( in this particular faith) for the reverence of Mary is that she was given a choice and said yes.
She’s no Leda.
The mix of dark and light in the melody and backing sounds is really striking. And I appreciate your thoughtful, forceful post.
🙏🏼❤️
We are so fortunate to live in a time where an artist is revealing the background and meaning in a piece that is destined to be a classic song that can be used for both purposes of division and unification in much the same way Luke said Jesus did. I am not Bible literate, only bible topical. So, please don't expect me to quote book and verse. Anyway, this topic of community as opposed to a particular way to view god as a means of unification I think may not be anything new, however the bravery to put this concept so bravery in the context of Christianity seems revolutionary to me. I may be biased. I am not shy in my admittance that I do honor Josh Ritter's poetry with a reverence that some people put to their religon. However, that doesn't mean to say much of anything at all. I am writing in a moment with a mind that is slightly sleep deprived and would, without be proper focus, be all over the place.
This is everything in 2025. Also timeless. Thanks.
As always, thank you for your perspective.
Thank you Josh ❤️
I listened to “Noah’s Children” on Saturday. Very good.
I read a review of your music once that mentioned the religious components of your lyrics. My recollection is that the reviewer thought that your lyrics neither promoted nor condemned religious ideas. But did honest questioning. That’s kind of like my “faith” - I’m more of a wonder’er if that’s a thing.
Amen.
No, thank YOU for everything!