“Postcards” by James Blunt

James Blunt’s “Postcards” reads as if the singer may be addressing a former romantic partner of his. Also at the moment the implication would be that they are separated. Moreover they have apparently known each other since early childhood. These would be some of the factors as to why he is “sending a postcard” to her. But more to the point, said correspondence is ‘from his heart’. So we can say that in this particular context it is akin to a love letter.  And James understands that expressing himself in such a manner is tantamount to letting ‘the whole world know what’s in his head’. But his love for the addressee is so strong that he does not care about exposing his personal feelings.

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for James Blunt's Postcards at Lyrics.org.

And whereas the sentimental aspect of this song is easily discernible, the challenging part is trying to establish a definitive timeline of the relationship between the singer and the addressee. As mentioned earlier, it is pretty clear that they were particularly close in their childhood. But then the singer references the two of them being together on her “rocking chair”. And generally speaking, sitting on a rocking chair is symbolic of old age. So the lyrics could be interpreted as if this couple has been together for a long duration, indeed even a lifetime. But if such were the case, going back to what he said about the postcard being an open expression of his love then the situation wouldn’t be a matter of her not knowing how he feels as much as his inability to effectively relay such, an idea which is actually alluded to in the bridge.

But the intricacies of the narrative aside, what it all boils down to is that the singer has feelings for the addressee. And since he has decided to relay these sentiment via “postcards”, the logical deduction would be that at least at the moment, even if they did have a thing in the past, they are not physically together.

Lyrics of "Postcards"

Facts about “Postcards”

“Postcards” is the fourth single from Blunt’s “Moon Landing” album. Atlantic Records put the song out on 19 May 2014. FYI, the album “Moon Landing” also produced Blunt’s hit song “Bonfire Heart“.

James Blunt wrote this song along with writers Wayne Hector and Steve Mac. And the track was produced by an artist named Terefe.

“Postcards” made it onto the UK Singles Chart and also charted in Austria, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland.

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