About the song
“Tell Laura I Love Her,” a poignant teenage tragedy song penned by Jeff Barry and Ben Raleigh, resonated deeply with listeners upon its release in 1960. Originally performed by Ray Peterson, the song quickly climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, capturing hearts with its heartbreaking narrative and emotive lyrics.
The song unfolds the tragic tale of Tommy, a young man deeply in love with Laura, dreaming of marrying her despite their youth. In a bid to win her hand, Tommy enters a perilous stock car race, hoping to claim the prize money for a wedding ring. However, tragedy strikes as his car overturns and bursts into flames during the race, leaving Tommy fatally injured. His final words, “Tell Laura I love her,” capture the essence of undying love and tragic sacrifice.
The recording history of “Tell Laura I Love Her” reveals intriguing details about its evolution. Originally conceived with a rodeo theme by Jeff Barry, it was later reworked at RCA’s urging to align more closely with the style of “Teen Angel,” another popular song of the era. Despite initial controversy and bans due to its perceived morbidity, particularly in the UK where it was deemed “too tasteless and vulgar,” the song ultimately became a massive hit.
Ricky Valance’s cover version in the UK skyrocketed to the No. 1 spot on the charts, underscoring the song’s global appeal and emotional impact. Its success spurred numerous covers and adaptations worldwide, each interpretation reflecting the universal theme of love and loss. The song’s enduring popularity is evidenced by its reach across 14 countries and sales exceeding seven million copies, cementing its status as a classic in the genre of tragic ballads.
Beyond its musical influence, “Tell Laura I Love Her” inspired related adaptations such as stage productions and answer songs, further embedding its place in popular culture. From Spanish renditions to localized versions in various languages, the song continues to resonate with audiences, each iteration preserving its heartfelt message.
In essence, “Tell Laura I Love Her” remains a timeless testament to the power of love and the poignant narrative of youthful dreams cut short, immortalized through its haunting melody and unforgettable lyrics.
Video
Lyrics
Laura and Tommy were lovers
He wanted to give her everything
Flowers, presents,
But 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 grounds
He was the youngest driver there
The crowed roared as they started the race
Around the track they drove at a deadly pace
No one knows what happened that day
Or 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 poor 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 need her
Tell Laura not to cry
My love for her will never die