Song meaning of Letterman by The Story So Far

"Letterman" by The Story So Far delves into the complexities of a failing relationship and the struggle to come to terms with its end. The lyrics paint a picture of a narrator who is grappling with the reality of their partner moving on, despite their own feelings of attachment and longing. The song opens with the narrator expressing confusion and disbelief at the situation, as seen in the lines, "Look behind me then you'll understand / I'm not hiding any other man / To be honest I don't understand / How you spin me like a ceiling fan." This imagery of being spun around like a ceiling fan conveys a sense of disorientation and emotional turmoil.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the futility of pretending that everything is fine when it's not, with the lines, "There's no point in making nice / I know the price / 'Cause I know all about the down and out, I get it." The narrator acknowledges the pain and difficulty of accepting the truth, even if they try to escape through fantasies. The refrain, "Wear your pride just like a letterman / Wrap me tight, I'm your rubber band, man / I won't try you even though I can / Slide on by without a second glance," highlights the dynamic of pride and vulnerability in the relationship, with the narrator feeling like they are being held on to but not truly seen or acknowledged.

The post-chorus reflects the internal struggle of the narrator, torn between wanting to reach out and feeling the need to protect themselves from further hurt. The lines, "So don't think that I'm excited at all / And you know that I've been dying to call / But I can't get involved / I don't wanna be here at all," capture the conflicting emotions of desire and self-preservation. Ultimately, the song culminates in the realization that the narrator must come to terms with the fact that their partner has moved on, as expressed in the poignant lines, "Admit that you're gone and just accept it."

"Letterman" is a raw and introspective exploration of heartbreak, denial, and the painful process of letting go. The lyrics convey a sense of resignation and acceptance, as the narrator grapples with the reality of a relationship coming to an end and the need to move forward despite lingering feelings.