What Was in That Letter (Live at DK’s, 1988)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the profound and almost physical impact of words, specifically those contained within a mysterious letter. The narrator describes how these words, once received, didn't just enter the mind but coursed through the body like a potent substance, faster than any drug or lightning. This intense absorption made the narrator's actions – their steps, their touch, their speech – feel solid, confident, and directed, ultimately leading them to speak softly "on to me again." The central tension revolves around the enduring power of this letter's message, even from a significant distance. The narrator repeatedly questions "what was in that letter," highlighting its persistent, haunting, and yet tenderly sweet influence. This isn't just a fleeting memory; the words are described as "so sure, so persistent," compelling the narrator to revisit them, to "open it" and "read it again." The most striking craft element is the personification of words as a life force that seeps into the very being of the recipient. The imagery of words running through the blood and body emphasizes their deep, transformative effect. Later, the lyrics shift to a more destructive, yet liberating, tone, urging to "tear the curtain down" and "pull the altar to the ground," suggesting the letter's message holds a truth that can dismantle established structures or beliefs. Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they capture how certain words can fundamentally alter our perception and actions, becoming an indelible part of us. The repeated questioning of the letter's contents, coupled with the imagery of physical absorption and eventual deconstruction, conveys a sense of being profoundly changed by communication, leaving the narrator compelled to understand and perhaps re-experience that transformative power.