Tear Stained Letter
Jo-El Sonnier Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴It was three in the morning when she took me apart
She wrecked the furniture, she wrecked my heart
She danced on my head like Arthur Murray
The scars ain't never going to mend in a hurry

Just when I thought I could learn to forget her
Right through the door come a tear-stained letter
Oh, oh, oh love love

Cry, cry if it makes you feel better
Set it all down in a tear-stained letter
Oh, oh, oh love love love
Cry, cry if it makes you feel better
Set it all down in a tear-stained letter

Well my head was beating like a song by the Clash
It was writing checks that my body couldn't cash
Got to my feet, I was reeling and dizzy
I went for the 'phone but the line was busy

Just when I thought that things would get better
Right through the door come a tear-stained letter
Oh, oh, oh love love
Cry, cry if it makes you feel better
Set it all down in a tear-stained letter
Oh, oh, oh love love love love
Cry, cry if it makes you feel better
Set it all down in a tear-stained letter

Well I like coffee and I like tea
But I just don't like this fiddle-di-dee
It makes me nervous, it gives me the hives
Waiting for a kiss from a bunch of fives

Just when I think I could learn to forget her
Right through the door come a tear-stained letter
Oh, oh, oh love love love
Cry, cry if it makes you feel better
Set it all down in a tear-stained letter
Oh, oh, oh love love
Cry, cry if it makes you feel better
Set it all down in a tear-stained letter
Oh, oh, oh

Cry, cry if it makes you feel better
Set it all down in a tear-stained letter

Overall Meaning

The song "Tear Stained Letter" by Jo-El Sonnier tells the story of heartbreak and disappointment. The singer had been hurt by his lover, who had wrecked everything leaving behind nothing but pain and despair. The lover's actions caused the singer to feel confused and disoriented, as if his head was beating to the rhythm of a punk rock song he couldn't keep up with. He tries to forget her, but just when he thought he could move on, he receives a tear-stained letter that brings back all of his feelings of heartbreak.

The theme of the song is clearly about lost love and the aftermath of heartbreak. It shows how something as simple as a letter can bring back all of the emotions that someone was hoping to forget. The song's lyrics are vivid and emotional, utilizing metaphors and music references to further convey the message of heartache. The use of the phrase "tear-stained letter" connects the paper to the emotional weight it carries. Although the singer tries to move on, the arrival of the letter makes him feel like he's starting all over again.

Overall, "Tear Stained Letter" is a testament to the power of heartbreak and emotional pain. Although the lyrics may be sad, the song also highlights the relatability of heartbreak and allows listeners to reflect on their own experiences.

Line by Line Meaning

It was three in the morning when she took me apart
She emotionally shattered me at an ungodly hour

She wrecked the furniture, she wrecked my heart
Not only did she destroy some material possessions, but she also caused deep emotional pain

She danced on my head like Arthur Murray
Her actions were like a wild, unrestrained dance that trampled over my feelings

The scars ain't never going to mend in a hurry
The emotional damage caused by her actions will take a long time to heal

Just when I thought I could learn to forget her
After some time had passed, I began to think I could move on from her

Right through the door come a tear-stained letter
Then she sent me a letter filled with her tears

Oh, oh, oh love love
The love we shared is still present, even if it is now tainted with pain

Cry, cry if it makes you feel better
It's okay to express your emotions and let out your tears to find some relief

Set it all down in a tear-stained letter
Pour out all those emotions into a letter, even if it's hard to write through the tears

Well my head was beating like a song by the Clash
My thoughts and emotions were racing like a high-energy song

It was writing checks that my body couldn't cash
My mind wanted to take action, but my body was too emotionally drained to follow through

Got to my feet, I was reeling and dizzy
When I finally stood up, I felt disoriented and unsteady

I went for the 'phone but the line was busy
I tried to reach out for help or comfort but was met with continuous unavailability

Well I like coffee and I like tea
I have some simple and comfortable preferences

But I just don't like this fiddle-di-dee
However, this complicated and stressful situation is not something I enjoy

It makes me nervous, it gives me the hives
This situation is causing me significant anxiety and distress

Waiting for a kiss from a bunch of fives
I am hoping for love and affection, but instead feeling a sharp pain or slap in the face

Oh, oh, oh love love love love
Despite the pain and complications, I still have strong feelings of love for her

Oh, oh, oh
Expressing the overwhelming emotions of this situation

Cry, cry if it makes you feel better
Giving yourself the permission to cry and release your emotions

Set it all down in a tear-stained letter
Letting it all out in a heartfelt letter, even if it's difficult

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: RICHARD JOHN THOMPSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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