The Letter
Steve Green
A Father's Heartfelt Confession and Hope
Steve Green's song "The Letter" is a poignant and heartfelt message from a parent to their child. The lyrics reveal a deep sense of regret and a desire for reconciliation. The parent acknowledges that the child has been a hidden treasure, buried under the weight of their busyness and distractions. This confession is a powerful admission of neglect, but it is also a promise to make things right by God's grace. The parent emphasizes that the child was not meant to live an orphan's life, indicating a commitment to being more present and nurturing in the future.
The chorus of the song beautifully encapsulates the parent's hopes and dreams for the child. The metaphor of the child's life as a "living letter" suggests that every action and word is a testament to their character and upbringing. The parent envisions the child as a "poem of perfect praise," a reflection of all they were, are, and will be. This imagery underscores the sacredness and significance of the child's life, as well as the parent's role in shaping it.
In the final verse, the parent speaks of writing across the pages of the child's life with "sentences of kindness" and "paragraphs of light." This literary metaphor highlights the importance of positive influence and the lasting impact of love and hope. The parent expresses a desire for the child's soul to be filled with words of love and hope, rather than despair. This sentiment reflects a deep understanding of the power of words and actions in shaping a person's life and the legacy they leave behind.