Josie

Donovan

About Josie

"Josie" is a song written and recorded by British singer-songwriter Donovan. The "Josie" single was backed with a cover of "The Little Tin Soldier" by Shawn Phillips and released in the United Kingdom on 18 February 1966 through Pye Records (Pye 7N 17067). Like Hickory Records in the United States, it was clear by early 1966 that Pye Records retained the rights to the tracks Donovan recorded while recording at Pye. Unlike Hickory Records, however, Pye retained the right to release future Donovan albums and singles as stipulated by Donovan's original contract. Meanwhile, any new recordings from Donovan were legally barred from release. As Hickory Records did with "You're Gonna Need Somebody on Your Bond" and "To Try for the Sun" in the United States, Pye Records took an album track and released it as a single without Donovan's consent. "Josie" was originally released on Donovan's debut album What's Bin Did and What's Bin Hid and was viewed as a single that could possibly sell well. Pye chose the Fairytale album track "The Little Tin Soldier" for the b-side. The "Josie" single became the first Donovan release to fail to chart in the United Kingdom, just as the "You're Gonna Need Somebody on Your Bond" and "To Try for the Sun" singles failed to chart in the United States. 


Year:
1965
217 
#1

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From the album catch the wind

Josie, I won't fail ya,
I won't fail you, have no fear.
Josie, I won't fail ya,
Give me one more chance, the day is near.
The meadows they are bursting,
The yellow corn lies in your hand.
And with the night comes sorrow
As the tide of dawn sleeps on the land.
The long breezes are blowing
All down the sky into my face.
I've a weary kind of feeling,
Like my time has come and gone to waste.
I love you, darling Josie,
The trees of pine they grow so tall.
How come you came to love me,
When you didn't love me at all?
Josie I won't fail ya,
I won't fail you, have no fear.
Josie I won't fail ya,
Give me one more chance, the day is near.
My Josie looks a child now,
As she lies here on my breast.
In the night I think about her,
In the day I get no rest.
I cut me a young pine-cone
And I gave it to the river deep.
It sailed 'way by your window
Where you lay, so long in sleep.
God bless you, darling Josie,
With your sparklin' eyes so bright and clear.
Josie, I won't fail ya,
I won't fail you, have no fear.
Josie, I won't fail ya,
I won't fail you, have no fear.
Josie, I won't fail ya,
Give me one more chance, the day is near.

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Donovan

Donovan (born Donovan Philips Leitch, 10 May 1946) is a Scottish singer, songwriter and guitarist. Initially labelled as an imitator of Bob Dylan, Donovan quickly developed an eclectic and distinctive style that blended folk, jazz, pop, psychedelia, and world music (notably calypso). He has variously lived in Scotland, London, California and Ireland, and currently lives with his family in County Cork in Ireland. more »

2 fans

Written by: DONOVAN LEITCH

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Genre
"Josie" is classified under the pop/folk genre, reflecting Donovan's style of intertwining these two styles in his music.
Album Release
The song "Josie" was first released in Donovan's 1966 album, "Donovan."
Chart Performance
While Donovan had other songs that charted higher, "Josie" did gain some popularity although there's no record of it topping music charts.
Rail Accident Inspiration
Donovan has mentioned that "Josie" was inspired by a terrible rail accident in the UK.
Recording Location
Donovan recorded "Josie," like many of his songs, at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London.
Collaboration
Donovan collaborated with producer Mickie Most to create the catchy, folky tune of "Josie."
Repetitive Chorus
"Josie" is also known for its simple, catchy, and repetitive chorus, which is a characteristic feature of many of Donovan's songs.
Unique Style
Donovan’s acoustic and harmonica play in "Josie" is a great example of his unique musical style.
Early Work
"Josie" is significant as it is one of Donovan's earlier works and marked the start of his career.
Cultural Impact
Despite not being one of his highest charting songs, "Josie" remains popular among Donovan's fans and is often played at his concerts.
Artistic Evolution
"Josie" is a demonstration of Donovan's early music style, before he incorporated more psychedelic influences.
Use in Media
Although not as commonly used in media as some of Donovan's other songs, "Josie" has appeared in a few films and TV shows over the years.

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