About the song
“The Letter,” a seminal song penned by Wayne Carson, catapulted the American rock band The Box Tops to fame upon its release in 1967. This debut single not only became their breakout hit but also marked a significant milestone in the careers of its members, particularly lead vocalist Alex Chilton, who delivered the song in a distinctive gruff blue-eyed soul style.
Compositionally, Carson drew inspiration from a simple yet evocative opening line suggested by his father: “Give me a ticket for an aeroplane.” This initial spark led to the creation of a demo tape that eventually found its way to American Sound Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, under the guidance of producer Dan Penn. It was here that a young Alex Chilton, then just sixteen years old, made his mark with a vocal performance that resonated deeply with listeners. Penn, recalling the recording session, noted Chilton’s natural talent and ability to interpret the song’s emotion with minimal direction.
“The Letter” captivated audiences with its infectious melody and soulful delivery, propelling it to the top of the charts in both the United States and Canada. Its success was not confined to North America; the song achieved international acclaim, reaching the top ten in several countries and solidifying its status as a global hit.
Beyond its commercial success, “The Letter” holds a distinguished place in music history. Rolling Stone magazine recognized the original Box Tops version as one of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” underscoring its enduring influence and cultural significance. Moreover, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame included it in the list of the “500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll,” highlighting its impact on the evolution of popular music.
The song’s legacy extends through its enduring popularity and the numerous cover versions it has inspired over the decades. English rock and soul singer Joe Cocker notably recorded a version in 1970, which became his first top ten single in the United States. His rendition, along with others, continues to pay homage to the timeless appeal of Carson’s composition and the original Box Tops interpretation.
“The Letter” remains a timeless classic that showcases the convergence of talent and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and securing its place as an iconic piece of rock and soul history.
Video
Lyrics
Gimme a ticket for an aeroplane
Ain’t got time to take a fast train
Lonely days are gone, I’m a-goin’ home
My baby, just a wrote me a letter
I don’t care how much money I gotta spend
Got to get back to my baby again
Lonely days are gone, I’m a-goin’ home
My baby, just-a wrote me a letter
Well, she wrote me a letter
Said she couldn’t live without me no more
Listen mister, can’t you see I got to get back
To my baby once-a more
Anyway, yeah
Gimme a ticket for an aeroplane
Ain’t got time to take a fast train
Lonely days are gone, I’m a-goin’ home
My baby, just-a wrote me a letter
Well, she wrote me a letter
Said she couldn’t live without me no more
Listen mister, can’t you see I got to get back
To my baby once-a more
Anyway, yeah
Gimme a ticket for an aeroplane
Ain’t got time to take a fast train
Lonely days are gone, I’m a-goin’ home
My baby, just-a wrote me a letter, my baby just-a wrote me a letter
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