"Tear-Stained Letter" is the opening track from Richard Thompson's 1983 album Hand of Kindness.
[2] The lyrics feature a narrator who has broken up with a tumultuous romantic partner: "Just when I thought that things would get better / Right through the door come a tear-stained letter".
Country music singer Jo-El Sonnier covered the song on his 1988 album Come On Joe.
His version was released as a single in 1988, reaching number nine on the Hot Country Songs charts.
[8] Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes covered the song on their 2005 album Into the Harbour.