Stagger Lee

Josh Ritter's Folk Bloodbath is a song from his 2010 album So Runs the World Away. The track reimagines and weaves together multiple classic American murder ballads, creating a narrative that references iconic songs such as Stagger Lee, Delia's Gone, and Louis Collins.

In Folk Bloodbath, Ritter places Stagger Lee, Louis Collins, and Delia in the same tragic storyline. The lyrics depict a grim series of events where Louis Collins dies and Delia mourns his passing, with Stagger Lee implicated in the violence. Ritter ties these characters into a cohesive, sorrowful tale of love, loss, and retribution.

The song is rich in imagery and pays homage to the storytelling traditions of old blues and folk music. Ritter’s poetic style adds depth to the classic tales, bringing a fresh perspective while honoring their roots. The song features a slow, haunting melody driven by acoustic instruments, with Ritter’s emotive vocals adding a mournful quality to the tale.

Ritter references Stagger Lee's infamous reputation, blending it into the broader tragedy of the song. The song doesn't retell Stagger Lee verbatim but rather uses the character as part of a larger narrative about violence and sorrow in the tradition of American balladry. This track is an excellent example of Ritter's ability to modernize traditional themes while preserving their essence, making Folk Bloodbath both timeless and contemporary.