Meaning of "Please Read the Letter" by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

The lyrics of "Please Read the Letter" convey a sense of urgency and longing as the narrator desperately asks the recipient to read the letter they have written. It seems that the narrator is caught in a difficult situation, with something to hide, and hopes that by reading the letter, things may turn out alright. The phrase "caught out running" implies a sense of being caught off guard or exposed. The repetition of "please read the letter" emphasizes the importance of communication and the need for the recipient to understand the narrator's perspective.

The mention of nailing the letter to the door adds a dramatic element, suggesting that the message contained within is significant and cannot be ignored. The line "It's crazy how it all turned out, we needed so much more" hints at unfulfilled desires or expectations. The narrator is surprised by the outcome and suggests that there was a need for something greater than what was received.

The reference to help and consultation from the "angels of the deep" adds a mystical and spiritual dimension to the lyrics. It implies that the letter was not just a product of the narrator's conscious thoughts but was guided by something beyond the mundane. The angels represent a higher source of wisdom and guidance.

The lyrics also touch upon past experiences, symbolized by the mention of a well of many words and a house full of rings, charms, and pretty birds. This imagery suggests a time when the narrator's life was vibrant and filled with beauty. However, their walls have come crashing down, leaving nothing but remnants.

The plea to "check with lost and found" further supports the idea that the narrator's life has undergone a dramatic change, leaving behind a sense of loss or emptiness. It invites the recipient to seek answers or understanding from sources external to the narrator. It is as if they are saying that there is nothing left for the recipient within the narrator's world, but they may find something of value elsewhere.

The ending of the song serves as a reminder that one must bear the consequences of their actions, as emphasized by the phrase "you've got to reap just what you sow." It implies that there may be a need for the recipient to take responsibility for their own choices and actions in order to move forward. The request to keep the secrets and memories cherished in the deep suggests a desire to preserve the meaningful and intimate aspects of their relationship, even if it is coming to an end.