About the song
The Letter,” a raw, soulful ballad penned by Wayne Carson and popularized by the American rock band Box Tops in 1967, stands as a testament to the power of simplicity and emotion in music. This track, which would become the band’s biggest hit, topped charts in both the United States and Canada, and its influence reverberated across the globe.
The song’s success can be attributed in part to the gritty, blue-eyed soul vocals of Alex Chilton, whose delivery imbued the lyrics with a palpable sense of longing and desperation. Chilton’s interpretation, coupled with the band’s energetic performance, created a sound that was both familiar and fresh. The raw, unpolished quality of the recording only added to its authenticity.
“The Letter” has since become a rock and roll classic, enduring for generations. Its inclusion in Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll” is a testament to its lasting impact. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes of love, loss, and longing, which continue to resonate with audiences today.
Beyond its commercial success, “The Letter” has also served as a significant influence on subsequent generations of musicians. Joe Cocker’s cover version, released in 1970, brought the song to an even wider audience and solidified its place in the rock canon.
In conclusion, “The Letter” by the Box Tops is more than just a popular song; it’s a cultural touchstone that has left an indelible mark on the history of rock music. Its enduring appeal lies in its raw emotion, relatable lyrics, and iconic performance. As we continue to explore the rich tapestry of rock and roll, “The Letter” remains a timeless masterpiece.”
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
qwerty