While I was writing the novel, I listened to this playlist over and over and over. Mostly the music helped set the mood I was trying to create (and obviously I have a thing for banjo and fiddle). But also, the simple, folksy, earthy lyrics of many of these songs seemed to me like the kinds of things Rosetta might have said or felt or heard sung, and then too, some of these songs were popular during the time period.
Where possible, I’ve tried to link to live performances so you can experience the music for yourself.
Above all, I’m grateful for the inspiration these artists’ work gave me.
Rosetta Playlist
1. “Alone and Forsaken” — Neko Case
2. “I Am Weary (Let Me Rest)” — The Cox Family
3. “Battle Hymn of the Republic” — Jay Ungar & Jacqueline Schwab
4. “Upward Over the Mountains” — Iron & Wine
5. “Didn’t Leave Nobody But The Baby” — Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss & Gillian Welch
6. “Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)” — The Decemberists
7. “Dead Man’s Will“– Iron & Wine
8. “Angel Band” — Russ Barenburg & Jesse Carr
9. “Lowlands” — Gillian Welch
10. “I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow” — John Hartford
11. “Maybe Sparrow“– Neko Case
12. “Gold Rush Brides” — 10,000 Maniacs
13. “Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier”– Jacqueline Schwab & Jesse Carr
14. “Ashokan Farewell“– Jay Ungar & Molly Mason Family Band
15. “I’ll Fly Away“– Gillian Welch
16. “Southern Anthem” — Iron & Wine
17. “Muddy Hymnal“– Iron & Wine
18. “Her Tea Leaves“– Iron & Wine
19. “The Crane Wife 3“– The Decemberists
20. “Down To The River To Pray“– Alison Krauss
21. “Where Did You Sleep Last Night“– Nirvana
22. “No One Knows My Name“– Gillian Welch
23. “Don’t Let Me Fall“– Hayes Carll
24. “Good Woman“–Cat Power
25. “My Father’s Father” — The Civil Wars*
26. “Gathering Storm” (the first 5 minutes or so) — Godspeed You! Black Emperor*
*These two songs I discovered after I’d finished writing the novel, but to me they both connect so well with the ending that I had to include them here.
