"Letter From Abroad" by John Cale is a song that paints a vivid picture of a town in Afghanistan, depicting its hardships and the turmoil it is going through. The lyrics describe the town as squalid yet possessing a delicate beauty. The mornings are cool and wet, appealing to the senses, but people wake up disappointed, suggesting a sense of despair or longing. The song mentions fishermen at the water's edge smashing their boats, indicating a loss of hope or desperation. The impending heat symbolizes an approaching monsoon, which may represent a destructive force or change. The lyrics ask if the audience can feel it, implying a shared understanding or awareness of the town's troubles. The chorus repeats the question "Afghanistan Afghanistan, whatever happened to you?" The speaker acknowledges not caring about the answer but asking in case it matters to the subject. This line may reflect a sense of detachment or resignation towards the situation in Afghanistan, acknowledging the complexity and indifference of the outside world. The song also alludes to violence and brutality, mentioning beheadings on a soccer field and feeding bodies to hyenas in the elephant grass. This imagery underscores the harsh reality and suffering prevalent in the town. The lyrics mention that lips are thin, and eventually, eyes become empty, suggesting the toll that living in such challenging circumstances takes on the people. The letter is described as coming from abroad, hinting at the perspective of someone outside the town, perhaps an outsider trying to understand the situation. The line "life is cheaper back home" emphasizes the contrasting realities and the unfortunate circumstances faced by the people in the town. The song ends with a reference to learning from novels, implying that the experiences described are based on stories or accounts. The lyrics mention a man's voice being soothing and calm, offering help or understanding with the phrase "I understand no problem." This line could represent a plea for assistance or a desire for the world to pay attention to the struggles faced by Afghanistan. Overall, "Letter From Abroad" conveys a bleak and haunting portrayal of a town in Afghanistan, highlighting its challenges, violence, and the disconnect between the outside world and the people living in such difficult circumstances.
