November 16, 2015 (Monday)
Once upon a time people wrote letters to each other. Not so much anymore. I think the telephone was partly responsible for that, especially after long distance rates dropped. Whatever the reason, regular letters like the ones we once wrote are a rarity in mailboxes these days. Here’s a song about that [written by Vaughn Monroe (1911-1973) and recorded by Wilf Carter (1904-1996) (aka Montana Slim).
I’m going to tear down the mailbox
Tear up the address
I never get no letters anyhow. *
Folks today use the telephone instead of writing letters. Telegrams are almost non-existent, except for wiring money. Instead of writing letters, many people use email or Twitter or Facebook, etc. Texting will deliver your message within seconds instead of having to wait two or three days for delivery of mail. You can even send pictures if you like, or videos from your smart phone. Wow, what a day.
Meanwhile, back at the U.S. Postal Service, folks are trying to keep up with FedEx or UPS in order to preserve their parcel delivery system.
I don’t know about your mailbox, but mine is nearly always stuffed full of sales brochures, etc.
Wilf Carter used to sing another song about his mail, “No Letter Today.” That comment is appropriate on most days in 2015. However, there’s a letter you probably won’t find in your mailbox. It’s a love letter. From the Lord. We call it, “The Bible.” None of us can say “No letter today.”
If you would like to hear this old song, click here.
* All the verses of the empty mailbox song:
I’m going to tear down the mailbox
Tear up the address
I never get no letters anyhow.
I’m gonna move to the country
Out on the RFD at least I’ll get a catalog
To keep me company
They say the postman always rings you twice
I don’t know the gent
Every time I answer it’s the landlord for the rent
I’m gonna tear down the mailbox
Tear up the address
I never get no letters anyhow.