About the song
The Box Tops – The Letter (Upbeat 1967)
Ah, 1967! The Summer of Love, the year of Sgt. Pepper… and nestled amongst those psychedelic sounds, a raw, soulful gem emerged from Memphis, Tennessee. A song that perfectly captured the youthful yearning for escape and the thrill of new love: The Letter by The Box Tops.
Now, you might be surprised to learn that the lead singer, Alex Chilton, was just a teenager when he recorded this track. But that youthful energy, that raw emotion in his voice, is exactly what makes “The Letter” so unforgettable. It’s a song that grabs you from the first jangly guitar chords and doesn’t let go.
The song’s simple, direct lyrics tell a universal story: a young man desperate to get back to his girl, taking any means necessary (“Give me a ticket for an aeroplane”). There’s a real urgency in Chilton’s delivery, a sense of longing that resonates even decades later. And let’s not forget that iconic guitar riff, courtesy of Wayne Carson Thompson. It’s a hook that burrows its way into your brain and stays there long after the song is over.
But “The Letter” is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a snapshot of a time and place, a reminder of an era when rock and roll was still young and full of possibilities. The song’s raw energy and soulful vocals perfectly capture the spirit of the late ’60s, a time of social and cultural upheaval. And even though it clocks in at just under two minutes, “The Letter” packs a powerful emotional punch.
So sit back, crank up the volume, and let The Box Tops transport you back to a time when music was raw, real, and full of heart. “The Letter” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with music lovers of all ages. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest songs are the most powerful.
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
