Released: 2017
Features: OurVinyl
Tyler Childers’ “Follow You To Virgie”, featuring OurVinyl, is a song soaked in nostalgia, mourning, and the bond forged by shared history. It unfolds a story of companionship, loss, and the bittersweet act of remembering a beloved figure who has passed away. The narrative captures the essence of coming to terms with grief, supported by the solidarity among friends.
Starting off, Childers reminisces about a simpler time, “Back before these calloused hands and all this work,” evoking an image of youth and carefree days spent with friends at “the flats.” This place, likely a beloved local hangout, symbolizes a time when responsibilities were scarce, and time seemed endless. “Actin’ like we’d live forever, Gettin’ high and skippin’ class” paints the typical rebel-without-a-cause youth; enjoying the moment without a care for the future. Yet, despite their wild ways, “in her eyes, we were saints.” This line introduces a maternal or grandmotherly figure whose passing prompts the song’s reflection and journey.
The chorus, “So I will follow you to Virgie,” signals a commitment among friends to honor this woman’s memory by attending her funeral or memorial in Virgie, a place that presumably holds significance to them and the deceased. The line “Although it hurts me so” touches on the deep pain of losing someone who was a cornerstone of not just their childhood, but their understanding of home and community.
Childers paints a vivid picture of the departed woman in a saintly light, “I can see her up in glory, I can see her through the pines,” suggesting that her spirit and legacy continue to loom large over the community and landscape of their upbringing. It’s a visualization of enduring love and respect that transcends her physical absence.
As the song progresses, it reminisces about shared memories of music and youthful dreams, highlighting the woman’s support and presence in their lives. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the collective mourning and the pilgrimage back to Virgie as a final act of solidarity and tribute. The conclusion, featuring the name “Cody,” could signify a direct address to one of the friends, making the experience personal and shared. “Sayin’, ‘Boys be good'” feels like a final piece of advice or blessing from the woman, echoing through their memories and guiding their path forward.
In essence, “Follow You To Virgie” by Tyler Childers is a heartfelt tribute to lost loved ones and the places that hold them in memory. It’s about the pain of farewell, the strength found in friendship, and the lasting impact of those who’ve shaped us. Through simple, evocative language and resonant imagery, Childers invites listeners into a deeply personal story that celebrates life, mourns death, and acknowledges the emotional journey in between.
