About The Song
“The Letter” is a song penned by Wayne Carson, initially recorded by the American rock band the Box Tops in 1967. This track marked the group’s debut and most triumphant single, soaring to the number one position on the record charts in both the United States and Canada. Its success wasn’t confined to North America, as it achieved international acclaim and secured top-ten placements in various other countries.
The Box Tops’ lead vocalist, Alex Chilton, delivered “The Letter” with a distinctive gruff blue-eyed soul style, catapulting his career and prompting numerous cover versions. English rock and soul singer Joe Cocker’s 1970 rendition, in particular, became his inaugural top-ten single in the U.S. Over the years, several other artists have recorded versions that also climbed the record charts.
Recognizing its impact, Rolling Stone magazine positioned the Box Tops’ original recording at number 372 on its list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame further acknowledged its influence by adding it to the list of the “500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.” In 2011, the single received induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame, solidifying its enduring significance in the realm of music.
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
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