About the song
“The Letter,” a timeless anthem of heartbreak and longing, emerged from the Memphis music scene in 1967, propelling the young band the Box Tops to international stardom. Penned by the prolific Wayne Carson, the song captured the raw emotional intensity of youth and the universal experience of unrequited love.
With its driving rhythm, soulful melody, and Alex Chilton’s distinctive, husky vocals, “The Letter” became an instant classic. Chilton’s delivery, reminiscent of the blues and soul greats, lent the song a raw authenticity that resonated with audiences of all ages. The lyrics, filled with vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion, painted a poignant picture of a man desperate to reconnect with a lost love.
The song’s success was not confined to the United States. It topped charts around the world, cementing the Box Tops’ reputation as a global phenomenon. The enduring appeal of “The Letter” is evident in the numerous cover versions recorded by artists as diverse as Joe Cocker, Elvis Presley, and Otis Redding. These interpretations demonstrate the song’s versatility and its ability to transcend musical genres.
Today, “The Letter” remains a beloved and influential piece of music. Its inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll” and its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame underscore its lasting impact on popular culture. The song’s timeless message of love, loss, and regret continues to resonate with listeners, making it a true testament to the power of music to connect with the human experience.
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