Elvis Costello & The Brodsky Quartet：Meaning of I Thought I'd Write To Songmeaning

The song "I Thought I'd Write To Juliet" by Elvis Costello & The Brodsky Quartet tells a story of a person who initially intends to write to Juliet, referencing Shakespeare's iconic character from Romeo and Juliet. The protagonist believes that Juliet would understand them because she is already dead and can no longer disappoint or betray them. However, instead of writing to Juliet, the narrator finds themselves conversing with their oldest friend. They question how they can possibly offer advice to someone they don't even know, especially on the topic of embracing death. The lyrics imply that the narrator has received a letter that has deeply affected them. The letter is described as both cynically amusing but also leaving a sinking feeling, similar to a soldier in a story looking for their prized possession and finding something tragic instead. The exact content of the letter is not revealed, but it prompts the narrator to write back to someone they may never meet. The song then transitions to the perspective of the letter writer, who identifies themselves as Constance, a female soldier who enlisted in the military to fund her college education. She expresses her boredom and unknown location, and her reasoning behind writing to strangers. Constance mentions the constant fear of attack, the comfort she finds in the narrator's words, and the importance of family pictures and her gas mask. The meaning of the song revolves around themes of loneliness, fear, and the need for connection. It explores the power of written communication as a means of solace and support, even among strangers. The song highlights the emotional struggles faced by soldiers, particularly a young woman named Constance, who turns to anonymous letter writing in search of comfort and understanding.