Lyrics I Thought I'd Write To Juliet - Elvis Costello , Brodsky Quartet

I thought I′d write to Juliet
For she would understand
And when someone is already dead
They can no longer let you down

Instead I find myself talking to you
As my oldest friend
Tell me how I can advise someone
That I don't even know to welcome death

For I received a letter that is worth reporting
And though it may raise a cynical smile
It leaves a sinking feeling

Like when a soldier in a story says to the sergeant
"Have you seen my pride and joy?"

You know the rest
And it′s no joke
Forgive me please
As I quote

"This is a letter of thanks
As I'm so bored herein I can't say where
So I′m writing to people that I may never meet
And I was thinking if something you said"

I′m a female soldier, my name is Constance
I enlisted in the military needing funds for college
I'm twenty-three years old and if I do get home alive
I imagine I may think again

I′m sleeping with my eyes open for fear of attack
Your words are a comfort, they're the best thing that I have
Apart from family pictures and of course, my gas mask
I don′t know why I am writing to you