About The Song
Released in 1967, “The Letter” by The Box Tops became an instant classic, capturing the hearts of listeners with its raw, soulful energy. The song, penned by Wayne Carson Thompson, tells a tale of longing and yearning, as a man desperately seeks to reunite with his beloved after receiving a letter from her.
The song’s driving rhythm, combined with Alex Chilton’s gritty, blues-infused vocals, creates a powerful and emotive atmosphere. Chilton’s performance is particularly striking, conveying a sense of urgency and desperation as he pleads for a ticket on the next plane. The song’s simple yet effective lyrics resonate deeply, expressing universal themes of love, loss, and the desire for connection.
Beyond its musical qualities, “The Letter” also stands out for its innovative production. The song’s arrangement is sparse, relying heavily on Chilton’s vocals and the rhythm section. This minimalist approach allows the raw emotion of the lyrics and performance to shine through, creating a timeless and unforgettable piece of music.
The song’s success can be attributed to several factors, including its relatable theme, Chilton’s powerful vocal performance, and the innovative production. “The Letter” quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying The Box Tops’ status as one of the most popular bands of the era. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless appeal and the raw, authentic quality of the performance. The song’s impact can still be felt today, with countless artists citing it as an inspiration.
In addition to its commercial success, “The Letter” also had a significant cultural impact. The song’s themes of longing and desire resonated with a generation of young people who were coming of age during a time of social and political upheaval. The song’s popularity helped to establish The Box Tops as a cultural touchstone, and its legacy continues to be celebrated today.
Video
Lyrics
“The Letter”
(“The Letter / Neon Rainbow” Version)
Ain’t got time to take a fast train
Lonely days are gone, I’m-a goin’ home
Oh, my baby, just-a wrote me a letterI 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
Oh, my baby, just-a wrote me a letterWell, 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
Oh, my baby, just-a wrote me a letterWell, 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
Oh, my baby, just-a wrote me a letter
Oh, go, my baby, just-a wrote me a letter