The song "Wrote It Down And Burned It" by John Hiatt tells the story of a girl who is heartbroken over her lover, Jimmy, who left town without saying goodbye. The girl's emotions are portrayed through the imagery of a dead girl's body by the railroad track, symbolizing her state of despair. The lyrics suggest that she wrote a letter expressing her feelings for Jimmy, but decided to burn it instead. This act could represent her attempt to let go of her love for Jimmy, possibly in an effort to move on or find closure. However, despite her efforts, she still holds onto the hope that Jimmy loves her the most. The mention of the Monon line and the Wabash Cannonball refers to train tracks, highlighting the girl's longing for Jimmy's return. She holds her ear to the rail, hoping to hear the sounds of his presence, but all she hears is a sorrowful wail. The repetition of the line "She wrote it down and burned it" emphasizes the girl's anguish and her desperate struggle to let go of her love for Jimmy. It also reflects her inability to fully erase her feelings for him, as remnants of the burned letter can still be seen in the ashes. The song ultimately conveys the protagonist's heartbreak and her longing for her lost love. Despite her attempts to move on, she remains haunted by her memories of Jimmy and his departure in the rain with his Camaro.
