Whether or not Andrew Jackson’s knew his soon-to-be-wife Rachel was married when they first met is the subject of much academic debate. Either way, the two fell in love immediately and eloped down the Natchez Trace. Rachel’s allegedly abusive first husband soon protested from Kentucky. A second, legal marriage was held for Rachel and Andrew in Nashville once a legal divorce was verified. The issue lay dormant until Andrew’s second bid for the presidency. His opponent found out about the double marriage, and used it to attack the populist candidate. Rachel was so distraught at the thought of costing her husband the presidency that she fell violently ill, dying of a heart attack in the weeks following his victory. Andrew went to the White House a widower, convinced his political enemies killed the love of his life.
You say don’t leave but you leave me
for the streets of New Orleans
down the Trace with a letter of your lies
the Bible says you will need another path to decency
but in your arms I swear the world turns right
until they all turn on you
I know the road always shows
the heartbreak in your eyes
there’s no wrong until you have the right
to hold me for awhile down in the light
The things you said at Horseshoe Bend
I guess I knew how this would end
I would sell my soul to bring you around
for a love in the borderlands
you can throw it in God’s hands
or turn around and walk the other way
I know the road always shows
the heartbreak in your eyes
there’s no wrong until you have the right
to hold me for awhile down in the light
And the blood rushes from a stranger
no church bells will change your anger until you see
I know the road always shows
the heartbreak in your eyes
there’s no wrong until you have the right
to hold me for awhile down in the light
