The Box Tops – The Letter (Upbeat 1967)

About the song

“The Letter” is a song that has left an indelible mark on the world of rock and soul music. Written by Wayne Carson and first recorded by the American rock band the Box Tops in 1967, it was the group’s first and most successful single, reaching number one on the record charts in the United States and Canada. Its international success was equally impressive, placing in the top ten in several other countries.

The Box Tops’ lead vocalist, Alex Chilton, sang “The Letter” in a gruff blue-eyed soul style that launched his career and inspired numerous cover versions. English rock and soul singer Joe Cocker’s 1970 rendition became his first top ten single in the U.S., and several other artists have recorded versions that also reached the record charts.

“The Letter” has been recognized for its enduring impact on the music industry. Rolling Stone magazine included the Box Tops original at number 372 on its list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame added it to the list of the “500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.” In 2011, the single was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. This essay will explore the many layers of meaning and significance that make “The Letter” such a timeless classic, and examine its enduring impact on popular music and culture.

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