Letters To God

Album: Boxcar Racer (2002)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about a young person who knows he is dying. The song is like this person's prayer as he pleads for God to let him live. He wants to die an old man rather than die young. Throughout this song the narrator becomes very emotional and starts to apologize for all his wrong-doings in the hope that God will show mercy to him and allow him to live longer. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Simon - Salisbury, England

Comments: 7

  • Graham from Mesa AzWhat's really great and bizarre about this song is it's about someone on the edge death and begging God for one more chance at life. Who do we know who is related (not family related) to Tom Delonge who had a near death experience and had very low odds of survival. We know two, Travis and Mark. Travis got into a plane crash and wasn't expected to drum ever again and Mark was diagnosed with stage 4 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Both situations, neither of them should have survived. So you'd expect the song to be about them, but the bizarre part is Letters to God was written 6 years before the crash and 20 years before Mark got cancer. I love this song so much because it's a reminder of the fragility of life.
  • Ak from Somewhere, IrelandAngels & Airwaves, (Tom DeLonge's band that he formed during the hiatus of Blink-182), recorded "Letters To God Part II" for their 2010 album Love.
  • Marianne from Kimberley,This is beautiful. This song is one of the reasons why I am such a Tom deLonge fan! Lyrics are insanely good!!
  • Jess from Cobram, Australiawow. deep.
    i can relate to thi song kinda.
    my dad died n he had a disease that is genetic and i have a %50 per cent chance of getting it.
    i dont want to feel like this =(
  • Violet from Baltimore, MdThis is a pretty sad song when you listen to the words. It's like a final plea to god because he's isn't ready to leave. lyrics like "can't you wait? maybe i don't wanna go" emphasize the longing to live.
  • Simon from Salisbury, EnglandI won't lie, I won't sin, maybe I don't wanna go'?
  • Mattyb from The Burg, Md"will this offer get me in?" to heaven, i am thinking...
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Howard Jones

Howard JonesSongwriter Interviews

Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"They're Playing My Song

The Prince-penned "Manic Monday" was the first song The Bangles heard coming from a car radio, but "Eternal Flame" is closest to Susanna's heart, perhaps because she sang it in "various states of undress."

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Meshell Ndegeocello

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."