What Was In That Letter

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a profound observation: words possess an almost supernatural power. They can "Give your eyes a sparkle" or "Turn you inside-out," subtly yet completely altering a person. The speaker watches as a letter's contents transform its recipient, making its influence undeniable. The core tension here lies in the speaker's intense curiosity and longing regarding this mysterious letter. They observe its profound effect on another – words described as being "seeped into your blood" – yet remain outside its direct knowledge. This creates a palpable yearning for understanding, a desire to grasp the source of such potent emotional and physical change. The letter's power is so overwhelming it's described as "Faster than any drug," animating the recipient's feet, hands, and lips. The most striking craft element is the visceral, almost biological imagery used to describe the words' impact. They don't just affect the mind; they "ran the course of your body," making steps solid and fingers unafraid to touch. This personification of words as a life force, a literal infusion, elevates the letter's content beyond mere information. The speaker then reveals this power extends to them, too, as the letter "haunts me from this distance," suggesting an empathic connection or a shared past tied to its secrets. These lyrics are effective because they tap into the universal experience of being profoundly moved by communication, while simultaneously building a compelling mystery. The insistent repetition of "What was in that letter?" isn't just a question; it's a plea for shared revelation, culminating in the urgent command to "Tear the curtain down" and "Pull the altar to the ground." This powerful imagery suggests a desire to strip away all pretense and sacredness, demanding the raw, unvarnished truth of the letter's contents be exposed, not just for the recipient, but for the speaker's own soul.