Return to Sender
Elvis Presley Lyrics


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Return to sender
Return to sender

I gave a letter to the postman
He put it his sack
Bright and early next morning
He brought my letter back
(She wrote upon it)
Return to sender
Address unknown
No such number
No such zone

We had a quarrel
A lover's spat
I write I'm sorry, but my letter keeps coming back

So then I dropped it in the mailbox
And sent it special D
Bright and early next morning
It came right back to me

(She wrote upon it)
Return to sender
Address unknown
No such number
No such zone

This time I'm gonna take it myself
And put it right in her hand
And if it comes back the very next day then I'll understand

(The writing on it)
Return to sender
Address unknown
No such number
No such zone

Ah, return to sender
Return to sender




Return to sender
Return to sender

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the song "Return to Sender" by Elvis Presley depict the frustration and confusion of the singer as his letters to his lover keep getting returned to him. The first verse describes how he gives a letter to the postman, which is returned the next day with "Return to sender, address unknown, no such number, no such zone" written on it. The second verse reveals that the reason for the return is a quarrel with his lover, and he is trying to apologize through letters. However, the letters keep getting returned, and he tries to send it through a special delivery, but it comes back to him again.


The frustration of the singer is evident as he decides to deliver the letter himself in the third verse. He hopes that the letter will reach his lover this time and that she will understand his apology. However, the final verse remains unresolved as the letter's fate is unknown, and the singer repeats the "Return to sender" chorus.


The song's lyrics convey the helplessness and desperation of the singer in his efforts to make amends with his lover. It also reflects the importance of communication in relationships and how misunderstandings and arguments can lead to misinterpretations of emotions.


Line by Line Meaning

Return to sender
The letter that was sent needs to be returned to the sender


Return to sender
The letter that was sent needs to be returned to the sender


I gave a letter to the postman
I handed a letter to the mail carrier


He put it his sack
He placed it among the other letters and packages he was carrying


Bright and early next morning
The very next morning, as soon as the mail service resumed


He brought my letter back
He returned my letter to me


(She wrote upon it)
The woman who received the letter wrote on it


Return to sender
The letter needs to be sent back to the original sender


Address unknown
The destination address is not known


No such number
The street or house number does not exist


No such zone
The area or district is not known


We had a quarrel
We had an argument or disagreement


A lover's spat
An argument between romantic partners


I write I'm sorry, but my letter keeps coming back
I tried to apologize, but my letter was repeatedly returned to me


So then I dropped it in the mailbox
I put the letter in the mailbox


And sent it special D
I marked it for special delivery


Bright and early next morning
The very next morning, as soon as the mail service resumed


It came right back to me
The letter was returned to me once again


(She wrote upon it)
The woman who received the letter wrote on it


This time I'm gonna take it myself
Next time, I will hand-deliver the letter


And put it right in her hand
I will give the letter directly to her


And if it comes back the very next day then I'll understand
If the letter is returned to me the next day, then I will know that she does not want to read it


(The writing on it)
The text written on the letter


Return to sender
The letter needs to be sent back to the original sender


Address unknown
The destination address is not known


No such number
The street or house number does not exist


No such zone
The area or district is not known


Ah, return to sender
Oh, send the letter back to me


Return to sender
The letter needs to be sent back to the original sender


Return to sender
The letter needs to be sent back to the original sender


Return to sender
The letter needs to be sent back to the original sender




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Otis Blackwell, Winfield Scott

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@edgartenorio253

Return to sender
Return to sender
I gave a letter to the postman
He put it his sack
Bright and early next morning
He brought my letter back

Return to sender, address unknown
No such number, no such zone
We had a quarrel, a lover's spat

I write I'm sorry but my letter keeps coming back
So then I dropped it in the mailbox
And sent it special D
Bright and early next morning it came right back to me

Return to sender, address unknown
No such person, no such zone

This time I'm gonna take it myself and put it right in her hand
And if it comes back the very next day then I'll understand

Return to sender, address unknown
No such number, no such zone
Return to sender
Return to sender
Return to sender



All comments from YouTube:

@cinziabyworth8291

Anyone still listening to this song in 2024?? ❤

@Tobias_Kr-M

😊

@superstarfanatic2024

Me

@joshmellon7269

Yes, because it's a amazing song!!!!

@gregt2022

Just popped into my head- had to hear it. When music was heartfelt.

@Cryasor16

Yo y siempre ❤

64 More Replies...

@snowbeast63

My aunt passed away last week from a silent battle with cancer. She was the biggest Elvis fan I ever knew. I think this song was her favorite.

@Sara-mx3bt

Hugs💜

@lynnhavens5073

May your aunt rest in peace and I hope Elvis sings to everyday in heaven

@user-rc7ly2fr4y

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