About the song
“Tell Laura I Love Her” is a poignant teenage tragedy song that captivated audiences with its heart-wrenching narrative and emotional depth. Written by Jeff Barry and Ben Raleigh, the song was first brought to prominence by Ray Peterson, who recorded it in 1960. The track became a notable hit in the United States, peaking at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing Peterson’s soulful delivery and the song’s gripping storyline.
The song unfolds the tragic tale of Tommy, a young man deeply in love with Laura. Determined to marry her, Tommy enters a stock car race, despite his inexperience and youth, hoping to win enough money to buy her a wedding ring. The narrative takes a sorrowful turn as Tommy’s car overturns and bursts into flames. His final words, “Tell Laura I love her… My love for her will never die,” are a heartbreaking testament to his devotion as he succumbs to his injuries. Laura, left to grieve, hears Tommy’s voice one last time within the confines of a chapel, adding a layer of emotional depth to the song’s conclusion.
Originally, “Tell Laura I Love Her” featured lyrics about a rodeo, reflecting Jeff Barry’s interests, but was later revised to align with the success of “Teen Angel,” a similar teenage tragedy song. Despite its initial controversy—Decca Records in England even deemed the song “too tasteless and vulgar” and destroyed copies—Ricky Valance’s cover achieved massive success, reaching number 1 on the UK Singles Chart in 1960. The song has since sold over seven million copies worldwide, reflecting its broad appeal and enduring impact.
The song’s legacy is further solidified by its adaptations and covers in various languages and countries, from Spain and Mexico to the Czech Republic and Vietnam. In 1973, the song was revived in different regions, including a Dutch version that reached number 8 on the Dutch Top 40 and a New Zealand rendition that climbed to number 3 on the local charts. The story of Tommy and Laura even inspired a stage musical adaptation, “Tell Laura I Love Her (The Musical),” in 2007.
Moreover, “Tell Laura I Love Her” has been subject to various answer songs, including “Tell Tommy I Miss Him,” which continued the emotional narrative in response to the original. Despite its early ban by the BBC due to concerns over its potential influence on copycat behavior, the song’s compelling story and evocative lyrics have secured its place in the annals of classic pop ballads, making it a timeless piece in the tapestry of 1960s music.
Video
Lyrics
Laura and Tommy were lovers
He wanted to give her everything
Flowers, presents and most of all, a wedding ring
He saw a sign for a stock car race
“A thousand dollar prize, ” it read
He couldn’t get Laura on the phone
So to her mother, Tommy said
“Tell Laura I love her
Tell Laura I need her
Tell Laura I may be late
I’ve something to do, that cannot wait”
He drove his car to the racing ground
He was the youngest driver there
The crowd roared as they started the race
‘Round the track they drove at a deadly pace
No one knows what happened that day
How his car overturned in flames
But as they pulled him from the twisted wreck
With his dying breath, they heard him say
“Tell Laura I love her
Tell Laura I need her
Tell Laura not to cry
My love for her will never die”
Now in the chapel where Laura prays
For her Tommy who passed away
It was just for Laura, he lived and died
Alone in the chapel she can hear him cry
“Tell Laura I love her
Tell Laura I need her
Tell Laura not to cry
My love for her will never die”
Tell Laura I love her
Tell Laura I love her