Meaning of Letter To Hermione by David Bowie

In David Bowie's song titled 'Letter to Hermione,' the artist explores themes of unrequited love, longing, and the complexities of relationships. The lyrics paint a poignant picture of a narrator pouring his heart out in a letter to someone who seems to be moving on with their life. While the surface meaning of the song may seem straightforward, let's delve deeper into some standout lyrics and explore the unexpected and imaginative themes they help develop.The opening lines, "The hand that wrote this letter sweeps the pillow clean, so rest your head and read a treasured dream," set the tone for the emotional intensity that follows. These lyrics reveal the longing and yearning the narrator feels towards the recipient of the letter, wishing for their undivided attention and the chance to share their innermost thoughts. The theme of escapism and finding solace in dreams emerges as the narrator seeks a temporary refuge from the pain of unrequited love."I tear my soul to cease the pain; I think maybe you feel the same" expresses the vulnerability and shared emotional distress between the narrator and the recipient. This lyric suggests that the narrator believes the pain they feel is not unique to them but might be shared by the person they are addressing. An imaginative theme that develops here is the idea of pain as a unifying force, bringing people closer together in their shared experiences of heartache.