About the song
## The Letter: A Timeless Ballad of Lost Love
**The Box Tops**’ “The Letter” is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for generations. Released in 1967, this soulful ballad quickly climbed the charts, becoming a signature song for the band and a cornerstone of the rock and roll era. With its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics, “The Letter” continues to resonate with listeners today.
At its core, “The Letter” is a song about heartbreak and longing. The narrator, a heartbroken lover, writes a letter to his former partner, expressing his deep regret and longing for their lost love. The song’s emotional intensity is amplified by the band’s raw and passionate performance, which perfectly captures the anguish and despair of the narrator.
The opening lines of the song immediately set the tone: “I wrote a letter to you last night, I’m sorry I was wrong.” These words convey the narrator’s remorse and vulnerability, setting the stage for a tale of lost love and regret. The subsequent verses delve deeper into the narrator’s emotional turmoil, as he describes the pain of separation and the haunting memories of their past together.
One of the most striking aspects of “The Letter” is its simplicity. The song’s melody is straightforward and easy to remember, yet it is incredibly effective in conveying the emotional depth of the lyrics. The band’s harmonies are particularly noteworthy, adding a layer of richness and complexity to the song.
The song’s bridge is a moment of intense emotional catharsis, as the narrator expresses his deepest feelings of longing and regret. The line “I’m so lonely, I could die” is particularly poignant, capturing the overwhelming sadness and despair that the narrator is experiencing.
The final verse of the song offers a glimmer of hope, as the narrator suggests that he may one day be able to move on from his heartbreak. However, the overall tone of the song remains one of sorrow and loss.
“The Letter” is a masterpiece of songwriting that continues to resonate with listeners today. Its timeless message of love, loss, and regret has ensured its place in the pantheon of classic rock songs. Whether you are a longtime fan of The Box Tops or simply discovering their music for the first time, “The Letter” is a song that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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