About the song
“Tell Laura I Love Her” is more than just a song; it’s a poignant time capsule of early 1960s youth culture. Crafted by Jeff Barry and Ben Raleigh, this ballad weaves a tragic tale of young love and untimely loss that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Originally popularized by Ray Peterson, the song’s narrative of a young man’s fatal car race, undertaken to provide for his beloved Laura, has become an enduring symbol of teenage recklessness and the fragility of life.
The song’s success can be attributed to several factors. First, its straightforward yet emotionally charged lyrics paint a vivid picture of a doomed romance. Second, the music, with its driving rhythm and memorable melody, provides a striking contrast to the somber subject matter. The juxtaposition of youthful exuberance and impending tragedy creates a powerful emotional impact.
Beyond its commercial success, “Tell Laura I Love Her” has had a lasting influence on popular music. The song’s themes of young love, loss, and the power of music to connect with listeners have been explored by countless artists in the decades since its release. Furthermore, the song’s tragic narrative has been referenced and reinterpreted in various forms of media, from film and television to literature.
In conclusion, “Tell Laura I Love Her” is a timeless piece of music that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy to sorrow, is a testament to the power of storytelling through song. By examining the song’s lyrics, music, and cultural impact, we can gain a deeper appreciation for this iconic piece of popular music history.
Video
Lyrics
… Well, I woke up Sunday morning
With no way to hold my head that didn’t hurt
And the beer I had for breakfast wasn’t bad
So I had one more for dessert
… Then I fumbled in my closet through my clothes
And found my cleanest dirty shirt
Then I washed my face and combed my hair
And stumbled down the stairs to meet the day
… I’d smoked my mind the night before
With cigarettes and songs I’d been pickin’
But I lit my first and watched a small kid
Playing with a can that he was kicking
… Then I walked across the street
And caught the Sunday smell of someone’s fryin’ chicken
And Lord it took me back to something that I lost
Somewhere, somehow along the way
… On a Sunday morning sidewalk
I’m wishing, Lord, that I was stoned
‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone
… And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’
That’s half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleeping city sidewalks
And Sunday morning coming down
… In the park I saw a daddy
With a laughin’ little girl that he was swinging
And I stopped beside a Sunday school
And listened to the songs they were singing
… Then I headed down the street
And somewhere far away, a lonely bell was ringing
And it echoed through the canyons
Like a disappearing dreams of yesterday
… On a Sunday morning sidewalk
I’m wishing, Lord, that I was stoned
‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone
… And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’
That’s half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleepin’ city sidewalks
And Sunday morning coming down