by Girls in Trouble/Alicia Jo Rabins

Teacher’s note: Alicia has written two different Girls in Trouble songs about Ruth. This unit is structured around the narration of Ruth’s journey in her own voice, called Separate Histories. in addition, there’s a simple, folky interpretation of Ruth’s declaration to Naomi called Where You Go, which can be found on the album Girls in Trouble (available online).

Sometimes the road chooses you
and not the other way around
I don’t know how but I just knew
you would lead me to sacred ground
I was living in a place but it was time for me to leave I’d lost all of my faith but I was ready to believe

In the middle of the night
I went and lay down by your feet
I knew that if the time was right you would welcome me
I crept away before the break of day
By then I knew that you would come to me

And all the people in the gate
and all the elders they will say
we are the witnesses today to this covenant you make
Generations pass generations come
And now our separate histories are one

1. What emotions does this song evoke for you?
2. Do any of your personal experiences come to mind when you hear this song?
3. What kind of person is Ruth in this song? (remember, she is the “I” in the song).