Lillian Gish was one of the most famous silent movie actresses of all time. For instance, she was in Birth of a Nation and was rumored to be having an affair with the legendary D.W. Griffith. The details of the song don't match her life-- she was born in Ohio, not Illinois, and her father abandoned the family. So it's more likely that Josh uses her as a silent movie actress as a symbol for a woman who pretends to love him but is really just "mouthing the words." I love this song, especially the piano solo in the middle.
Lillian Gish was one of the most famous silent movie actresses of all time. For instance, she was in Birth of a Nation and was rumored to be having an affair with the legendary D.W. Griffith. The details of the song don't match her life-- she was born in Ohio, not Illinois, and her father abandoned the family. So it's more likely that Josh uses her as a silent movie actress as a symbol for a woman who pretends to love him but is really just "mouthing the words." I love this song, especially the piano solo in the middle.