"Burn All the Letters" discusses the need to destroy written evidence of a secret love affair to protect it from being exploited by others. The lyrics highlight the pain and intensity of the love that was shared in secrecy, and the fear of it being discovered and manipulated.

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Meaning of "Burn All the Letters" by Indigo Girls


The song "Burn All the Letters" delves into the theme of secrecy and vulnerability in a romantic relationship. The act of burning letters symbolizes the desire to erase any evidence of the affair in order to protect the purity and intimacy of the love shared. There is a sense of defiance and rebellion against outside forces, with references to the government and soldiers representing threats to the privacy of the relationship. The lyrics suggest that true love is something sacred and elemental that transcends the prying eyes of the world, and must be safeguarded at all costs. The intensity of the emotions portrayed in the lyrics underscores the depth of the connection between the individuals involved, and the pain of having to hide their feelings from the world. Overall, "Burn All the Letters" speaks to the power of love, the importance of privacy, and the lengths one is willing to go to protect something precious.