Song Details
- Album Release Date: 1980
- Album Name: Hi Infidelity (30th Anniversary Edition)
Song Meaning (Interpretation) of “In Your Letter” by REO Speedwagon
In “In Your Letter,” REO Speedwagon reflects on a broken relationship that ended due to a letter written by one of the partners. Throughout the verses we hear how the writer is trying to come to terms with the break-up that they never expected. The song captures the emotion of being unable to come up with a proper response to a letter that conveyed a break up, and wondering what could have been done differently in order to salvage the relationship.
The chorus emphasizes the bewilderment and disillusion the writer feels, singing: “I never believed that you could go so far / Things were alright ‘til you sent in your letter / I could not believe what you said in your letter.” These lyrics express the shock the narrator feels at the sudden separation and allude to a break up that may not have been discussed in private prior to the letter.
The narrator questions if they made an error in judgement and expresses the desire to know why the other person suddenly changed their heart. At the same time, the narrator looks toward the future regretting the loss, understanding that life will not be the same without the other person and wondering how they can let go of the pain they are feeling. Ultimately, this song captures the sentiment of attempting to come to terms with the unexpected end of a relationship and the confusion that it can cause.