By Annie Reuter
This October, ATO Records will join forces with music supervisor Randall Poster (Moonrise Kingdom, Boardwalk Empire, Rave On Buddy Holly) to release a Civil War-inspired double album titled Divided & United. The LP will feature songs from Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Old Crow Medicine Show, Ralph Stanley, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, A.A. Bondy, Taj Mahal, T. Bone Burnett, Steve Earle, and Lee Ann Womack, among others.
Divided & United will feature an essay by musician, filmmaker and historian John Cohen, who writes: “This record aspires to erase the legacy of segregation and through music seeks reconciliation instead, in order to celebrate a great musical heritage of America, born in pain, war and prejudice.”
Rolling Stone spoke with Lynn about her recording of “Take Your Guns and Go, John,” a 150-year-old track about a soldier leaving for war.
“I had such a great time recording this song for this album,” Lynn told Rolling Stone. “I loved the song and sound of that banjo, played by Bryan Sutton, made me feel I was back on the front porch in Kentucky where I came from. Glad to be a part of this record.”
Putting her own unique spin on the track with banjo and her powerful vocals, Lynn recreates the heartbreaking tale. “Take your guns and go dear John, yes take your guns and go/For Ruth can drive the ox dear John and I can use the hoe,” she sings. Midway through, the track takes a turn for the somber as she continues, “And John if God has willed it so we never shall meet again/I’ll do the best for the children, John in sorrow, want or pain.”
Listen to “Take Your Guns and Go, John” at Rolling Stone. Complete track listing for Divided & United below.
Disc 1
1. Take Your Gun and Go, John – Loretta Lynn
2. Lorena – Del McCoury
3. Wildwood Flower – Sam Amidon
4. Hell’s Broke Loose In Georgia – Bryan Sutton
5. Two Soldiers – Ricky Skaggs
6. Marching Through Georgia – Old Crow Medicine Show
7. Dear Old Flag – Vince Gill
8. Just Before the Battle, Mother/ Farewell, Mother – Steve Earle and
Dirk Powell
9. The Fall Of Charleston – Shovels & Rope
10. Tenting on the Old Campground – John Doe
11. Day Of Liberty – Carolina Chocolate Drops
12. Richmond Is a Hard Road to Travel – Chris Thile and Michael Daves
13. Two Brothers – Chris Stapleton
14. The Faded Coat Of Blue – Norman Blake, Nancy Blake and James Bryan
15. Listen to the Mockingbird – Stuart Duncan feat. Dolly Parton
16. Kingdom Come – Pokey Lafarge
Disc 2
1. Rebel Soldier – Jamey Johnson
2. The Legend of the Rebel Soldier – Lee Ann Womack
3. The Mermaid Song – Jorma Kaukonen
4. Dixie – Karen Elson with Secret Sisters
5. The Vacant Chair – Ralph Stanley
6. Hard Times – Chris Hillman
7. Down By the Riverside – Taj Mahal
8. Old Folks at Home/ The Girl I Left Behind Me – Noam Pikelny & David
Grisman
9. Secesh – The Tennessee Mafia Jug Band
10. The Battle of Antietam – T Bone Burnett
11. Pretty Saro – Ashley Monroe
12. Aura Lee – Joe Henry
13. Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier – AA Bondy
14. When Johnny Comes Marching Home – Angel Snow
15. Battle Cry of Freedom – Bryan Sutton
16. Beautiful Dreamer – Cowboy Jack Clement
