[Verse 1]
An old man was sitting at his table one day
Writing a letter to pass time away
His little granddaughter climbed up on his knee
Said, "Won't you please write a letter for me?"
[Chorus]
Oh, what will I say in this letter, I pray?
Tell Mommy I miss her since she went away
And I'm coming to see her real soon, I hope
He choked back a big lump that arose in his throat
[Verse 2]
Tell Mommy I love her, the little girl said
And I pray every evening before I go to bed
That God up in heaven will answer my prayer
And take me to live with my Mommy up there
[Verse 3]
He sealed it and wrote on that big envelope
To God up in heaven, you'll get this, I hope
He stamped it and handed it to her to mail
Her big eyes were shining, her little face pale
[Verse 4]
She was crossing the street to the box o'er the way
When she stepped out, never looked either way
A big auto hit her and sped away fast
The little girl's prayers had been answered at last
[Verse 5]
The postman was passing and picked up the note
Addressed to the Master, and these words he spoke
Straight up into heaven this letter did go
She's happy up there with her Mommy, I know
[Outro]
(Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm)
(Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm)
Lyrics Page
Letter to Heaven
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Sep 1, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Dolly Parton's song tells the story of a little girl who asks her grandfather to write a letter to her deceased mother in heaven. The grandfather writes the letter, addressing it to God, and the girl goes to mail it. Tragically, she is hit by a car and dies, but the song suggests her prayer was answered as she is reunited with her mother in heaven. The song deals with themes of loss, childlike faith, and the hope of heaven, offering comfort to those grieving.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team