A Letter to Elise

Album: Wish (1992)
Charted: 28
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Robert Smith of The Cure was going through a period of depression when writing the songs for Wish, and he said that "A Letter to Elise" is about "resignation." He was inspired by the Jean Cocteau novel The Holy Terrors and by the David Bowie song "A Letter to Hermione." Smith says the song is a "'stream of consciousness' piece," with many personal references, and adds that "the mood is generally resignation in the face of inevitable change."
  • This was the album's third single, following "High" and "Friday I'm In Love." It peaked at #2 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart in the US.
  • Wish remains The Cure's highest-charting album in both the US (#2) and UK (#1).

Comments: 3

  • Moosehead from Sclove it so much. one of their best
  • Simone from AustraliaLove this song, sing it all the time, stuck in my head forever.
  • Tony from San Diego, CaUtter joy and heartache rolled into one. Hurts so good
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat WorldSongwriter Interviews

Jim talks about the impact of "The Middle" and uses a tree metaphor to describe his songwriting philosophy.

Song Titles That Inspired Movies

Song Titles That Inspired MoviesSong Writing

Famous songs that lent their titles - and in some cases storylines - to movies.

Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds

Jim McCarty of The YardbirdsSongwriter Interviews

The Yardbirds drummer explains how they created their sound and talks about working with their famous guitarists.

Ian Gillan of Deep Purple

Ian Gillan of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan explains the "few red lights" in "Smoke On The Water" and talks about songs from their 2020 album Whoosh!

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.