The Letter
MERCHANT NATALIE Lyrics
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The pages I could write
But I don't know where to send it
You have vanished
Heaven knows where you live
Heaven only knows
If I ever write this letter
Just and unrequited lover
Wishing she had never
Spoken your name
Had never known your name
But if I ever write this letter
The truth it would reveal
Knowing you brought me pleasure
How I'll often treasure
Moments that we knew
The precious, the few
The lyrics of "The Letter" by Merchant Natalie evoke feelings of loss, regret, and remorse. The persona of the song is contemplating writing a letter to an estranged lover, but doesn't know where to send it. The first verse sets the scene for the persona's dilemma, as she acknowledges that she could fill pages with her thoughts, but ultimately has no idea how to reach the intended recipient. The second verse reveals the persona's conflicted emotions, as she expresses both bitterness and a desire to erase the memories of the past. She wishes that she had never spoken the lover's name, let alone know it.
The chorus of the song serves as a pivot point, as the persona contemplates what she would write if she ever sent the letter. In this third verse, the persona acknowledges that despite the pain and hurt that the lover has caused, there were still moments of joy and pleasure that she treasures. The line "Moments that we knew/The precious, the few" is particularly poignant, as it is a recognition that even a failed relationship can hold precious memories. The song closes on this note of bittersweet nostalgia.
Line by Line Meaning
If I ever write this letter
The singer is considering writing a letter to someone who has disappeared, but has not decided whether or not to send it.
The pages I could write
If the singer were to write this letter, there would be many pages of text, expressing a mix of bitter feelings and fond memories.
But I don't know where to send it
The person the letter is intended for is no longer in touch with the singer, and their current location is unknown.
You have vanished
The addressee has disappeared and is no longer accessible to the singer.
Heaven knows where you live
The addressee's location is unknown and beyond the singer's knowledge.
Heaven only knows
The singer has no idea where the addressee is or what they are doing, but imagines possibilities that are beyond human knowledge.
Bitter words it would contain
If the singer were to write the letter, it would express negative emotions such as anger, regret, and disappointment.
Just an unrequited lover
The singer is someone who loved the addressee, but their feelings were not reciprocated or have been betrayed.
Wishing she had never
The singer regrets ever getting involved with the addressee and wishes they could undo the experience.
Spoken your name
The addressee's name represents a painful memory to the singer, reminding them of a love that did not work out.
Had never known your name
The singer wishes they had never met the addressee, as it would have saved them from the heartache they experienced.
The truth it would reveal
If the singer were to write the letter, it would disclose their honest feelings towards the addressee and the experience they shared.
Knowing you brought me pleasure
Despite the singer's pain, they acknowledge that the addressee also brought them happiness and positive memories.
How I'll often treasure
The singer cherishes the few moments of joy and intimacy they experienced with the addressee, which continue to be meaningful to them.
Moments that we knew
The singer is reminiscing about shared experiences that are now in the past, but still hold significance for them.
The precious, the few
The singer values the positive moments they shared with the addressee, even though they were rare and fleeting compared to the overall outcome of their relationship.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, NETTWERK ONE MUSIC (CANADA)LTD
Written by: NATALIE A MERCHANT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind