I Thought I'd Write To Juliet by Elvis Costello

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 here in 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"