In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
My Dearest son, it's almost June
I hope this letter catches up with you
And finds you well
It's been dry
But they're callin' for rain
And everything's the same old same
In Johnsonville
Your stubborn old daddy
Ain't said too much
But I'm sure you know
He sends his love
And she goes on
In a letter from home
I hold it up and show my buddies
Like we ain't scared
And our boots ain't muddy
And they all laugh
Like there's something funny
'Bout the way I talk
When I say, "Mamma sends her best, y'all"
I fold it up and put it in my shirt
Pick up my gun and get back to work
And it keeps me drivin' on
Waitin' on letters from home
My dearest love, it's almost dawn
I've been lyin' here all night long
Wonderin' where you might be
I saw your mamma
And I showed her the ring
Man on the television
Said something
So I couldn't sleep
But I'll be alright,
I'm just missin' you
And this is me kissin' you
X's and O's in a letter from home
I hold it up and show my buddies
Like we ain't scared
And our boots ain't muddy
And they all laugh
'Cause she calls me honey,
But they take it hard
'Cause I don't read the good parts
I fold it up and put it in my shirt
Pick up my gun and get back to work
And it keeps me drivin' on
Waitin' on letters from home
Dear son, I know I ain't written
I'm Sittin' here tonight alone in the kitchen
It occurs to me
I might not have said it
So I'll say it now
"Son, You make me proud"
I hold it up and show my buddies
Like we ain't scared
And our boots ain't muddy
But no one laughs
'Cause there's ain't nothin' funny
When a soldier cries
And I just wipe my eyes
I fold it up and put it in my shirt
Pick up my gun and get back to work
And it keeps me drivin' on
Waitin' on letters from home
I hope this letter catches up with you
And finds you well
It's been dry
But they're callin' for rain
And everything's the same old same
In Johnsonville
Your stubborn old daddy
Ain't said too much
But I'm sure you know
He sends his love
And she goes on
In a letter from home
I hold it up and show my buddies
Like we ain't scared
And our boots ain't muddy
And they all laugh
Like there's something funny
'Bout the way I talk
When I say, "Mamma sends her best, y'all"
I fold it up and put it in my shirt
Pick up my gun and get back to work
And it keeps me drivin' on
Waitin' on letters from home
My dearest love, it's almost dawn
I've been lyin' here all night long
Wonderin' where you might be
I saw your mamma
And I showed her the ring
Man on the television
Said something
So I couldn't sleep
But I'll be alright,
I'm just missin' you
And this is me kissin' you
X's and O's in a letter from home
I hold it up and show my buddies
Like we ain't scared
And our boots ain't muddy
And they all laugh
'Cause she calls me honey,
But they take it hard
'Cause I don't read the good parts
I fold it up and put it in my shirt
Pick up my gun and get back to work
And it keeps me drivin' on
Waitin' on letters from home
Dear son, I know I ain't written
I'm Sittin' here tonight alone in the kitchen
It occurs to me
I might not have said it
So I'll say it now
"Son, You make me proud"
I hold it up and show my buddies
Like we ain't scared
And our boots ain't muddy
But no one laughs
'Cause there's ain't nothin' funny
When a soldier cries
And I just wipe my eyes
I fold it up and put it in my shirt
Pick up my gun and get back to work
And it keeps me drivin' on
Waitin' on letters from home
Lyrics submitted by indefeat
Letters from Home Lyrics as written by Tony Mac Lane David Cory Lee
Lyrics © Roba Music Verlag GMBH, TuneCore Inc., BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Capitol CMG Publishing, Spirit Music Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Exploration Group LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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This song really hits my heart. My grandfather was in the Gulf War. Every night I would write him a letter. He said that he showed all his friends all of my letters. When they pronounced him MIA, I was devistated, but I kept sending letters. Finally I heard from him about 6 months later. This is what It said:
Dear Grandson, Sorry to keep you waiting. I was riding in a convoy headed to somewhere outside of Baghdad, to fix a broken radio transister when we were captured. They held us for 5 months, until US troops stormed in the building. When I got back John and Sam showed me the pile of letters you sent. It took me two weeks to read them all. Then I started writing this letter. When I get home we will do everything that we used to do.
Papa
P.S. They are sending me home in 2 days.
Okaye, I love this song a lot.
The first time I heard it, I just cried. I mean, it shows men being guys and then men being men.
The video was just so great.
I have uncles and cousins in the Armed Forces and two of them just came back from overseas. After a year of not seeing my uncle and YEARS of not seeing my cousin, it was so hard.
But they're back and safe and I love them for being the heroes that they are.
meaning: there is a soldier who is in the midst of a war. He gets letters from his mom and his wife and he shows them to his friends. And it's not those letters that make him fall to pieces. But it's the letter from his dad. Someone who he doesn't have a great verbal connection with that makes him breakdown. And his friends don't laugh @ him. B/c they understand that it's hard being away from him and even harder knowing that you have people at home who love you.
Michael. JACKSON Patrick. SWAYZE
well done
As an army veteran who was lucky enough to serve when their wasn't any wars going on. I would like to thank those of you that have not been as lucky and have had to be involved in war.this song reminds me of when I was in Boot Camp at Fort Jackson S.C.. good job JMM
This song holds so much meaning to me. My boyfriend is in the United States Marine Corps and when he was at bootcamp I sent him a letter everyday. I knew he waited and waited for these letters from home. He wil be sent out to Iraq early next year. I know that we have a long road ahead but we are not willing to give up without a fight. I can't wait for him to come home even if he hasn't left yet. I would like to ask you to pray for his safety. God Bless you all...and God Bless the men and women fighting for our freedom.