"Letterman Jacket" by Eleventyseven is a song about a broken promise and the consequences that follow. The lyrics suggest that the narrator had made a promise to someone they care about, but ended up breaking that promise, which in turn caused them pain. They express their regret and admit that they miss the connection they once had. The song also touches upon themes of feeling lost and searching for a sense of belonging. The line "I've tried making it home, but I drunk drive every wheel" implies that the narrator is trying to find their place or make something of their life, but they often feel like they're going in the wrong direction. The reference to wearing their heart on their habit and the scarlet letterman jacket suggests that the narrator is wearing their emotions and past mistakes for everyone to see. The scarlet letterman jacket metaphorically represents their guilt, shame, and the shared experiences between the narrator and the person they broke their promise to. The lyrics continue to portray a sense of longing and desperation, with the narrator wandering around the house at night, unable to sleep due to a recurring dream. The dream seems to symbolize the fear of losing the person they care about, before having a chance to make amends. The song also reflects on the struggles of their relationship, with futures turning into bucket lists and whispers turning into screams. This suggests that the once-promising and intimate connection between the narrator and the other person has deteriorated, possibly due to the broken promise. Overall, "Letterman Jacket" is a song that delves into themes of regret, remorse, and the longing for redemption. It explores the pain of breaking a promise to someone important, while also acknowledging the difficulties of finding one's place and maintaining a healthy relationship.
