Letters Lyrics – Chance the Rapper

Letters Lyrics Meaning

[Verse 1]
In this part, Chance is talking to a specific church with a heavy heart after losing his Aunt Carolyn. He feels that her passing wasn’t just about one person—it symbolized the loss of community, tradition, and spiritual guidance. He’s frustrated because instead of being a place of love and support, the church has become a place of gossip, judgment, and pride. He questions how people inside could think their words of rumor matter more than their words of praise. He also feels like the church leaders acted as if the building was their personal property instead of God’s house. Chance makes it clear that he has something to say, and he won’t stay silent. His tone shows both grief and righteous anger, and he promises to confront the issues head-on, saying he’s on his way to make sure his voice is heard.

[Chorus]
This section is a reminder of determination. Chance repeats that he’s on his way, showing his commitment to confront what’s wrong, speak the truth, and bring change without hesitation.

[Verse 2]
Here, Chance writes directly to large churches, especially wealthy ones, that often care more about money and image than people’s needs. He points out how these churches build big buildings to cover up their wrongdoings and put on flashy shows to distract followers. He criticizes them for selling faith like a business, worshipping material things, and treating power and money like gods. He also points out hypocrisy, like leaders living in luxury while ignoring the struggles of the poor. For Chance, these churches misuse the name of God while following human greed. He makes it clear that he isn’t fooled by this and calls out their dependence on government money while pretending to be holy. Chance calls for separation between church and state, showing his belief that faith should not be corrupted by politics and power. With passionate language, he makes it known that he is ready to stand against false practices, and again, he warns that he is on his way to expose them.

[Chorus]
The repetition of being “on the way” here highlights urgency. Chance is saying he won’t stay silent, and he’s prepared to confront churches that misuse faith for their own gain.

[Verse 3]
This part is directed to the Black church as a whole. Chance reminds them of the painful history of violence against Black people, like the four little girls who were killed in a church b0mbing. He warns the community not to forget these tragedies and not to stay quiet in the face of injustice. He connects faith leaders and cultural icons, showing that spiritual and social leaders once fought boldly for truth. Chance expresses his own struggle between prayer and self-defense, suggesting that faith and resistance can go hand in hand. He warns against being passive when the community is under attack, saying that ignoring danger is like letting oppressors win. He criticizes the church for sometimes pushing out people they don’t understand while covering up scandals. He warns that the light some leaders claim to show isn’t divine—it’s destructive. This verse is full of urgency, calling the church to be brave, to fight for justice, and to live out real faith rather than just words.

[Chorus]
Here, Chance softens the tone slightly by reminding listeners that his words come from love, even when they sound harsh. He calls for truth to be embraced, self-reflection to be practiced, and falsehood to be burned away so that real freedom can come.

[Bridge]
This part looks toward a future where worldly powers collapse, and true spiritual strength stands strong. Chance imagines everyone humbling themselves before God when justice and truth finally prevail.

[Verse 4]
This part shifts focus to the wider “Body,” which represents the people, the community, and even humanity as a whole. Chance describes the body as wounded, abused, and tired, but still loved by God. He shows compassion for those who suffer and grieve, including children and the most vulnerable. He also points out how people sacrifice and serve one another, holding on to faith even in hard times. Chance describes his own pain, carrying heavy emotions, but also his readiness to defend truth and fight against oppression. He raises the idea that silence in the face of injustice is its own form of violence, urging people to act courageously. He blends biblical imagery with modern struggle, comparing himself to David facing Goliath and also to soldiers and martyrs. His message is that struggle is real, but so is hope—no matter how dark things get, morning always comes. The body may be broken, but it is still strong through faith, unity, and God’s love.

[Outro]
The ending is a prayerful call for unity. Chance asks the community to stand together, connect with one another, and protect each other. He closes with love, blessings, and a vision of collective strength.