Another song of Giddens', Julie. The song takes the form of a conversation between the wife of a southern plantation owner and her slave. The plantation owner is attempting to convince Julie to stay despite the advance of the Union army and the coming promise of freedom. Giddens stated in an interview with PBS NewsHour that she was inspired to write the song after reading Andrew Ward’s book The Slaves’ War

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu5ZYXi6EiE

JULIE
(Rhiannon Giddens)

Julie, oh Julie
Won't you run?
'Cause I see down yonder, the soldiers have come
Julie, oh Julie
Can't you see?
Them devils have come to take you far from me

Mistress, oh mistress
I won't run
'Cause I see down yonder, the soldiers have come
Mistress, oh mistress
I do see
And I'll stay right here 'til they come for me
Julie, oh Julie
You won't go
Leave this house and all you know
Julie, oh Julie
Don't leave here
Leave us, who love you, and all you hold dear

Mistress, oh mistress
I will go
Leave this house and all I know
Mistress, oh mistress
I will leave here
With what family I've got left, they're all I hold dear

Julie, oh Julie
Won't you lie?
If they find that trunk of gold by my side
Julie, oh Julie
You tell them men
That that trunk of gold is yours, my friend

Mistress, oh mistress
I won't lie
If they find that trunk of gold by your side
Mistress, oh mistress
That trunk of gold
Is what you got when my children you sold
Mistress, oh mistress
Don't you cry
The price of staying here is too high
Mistress, oh mistress
I wish you well
But in leaving here, I'm leaving hell