Tell Laura I Love Her
Ray Peterson
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Laura and Tommy were lovers He wanted to give her everything Flowers, presents and most of all, a wedding ring He saw a sign for a stock car race A thousand dollar prize it read He couldn't get Laura on the phone So to her mother Tommy said Tell Laura I love her, tell Laura I need her Tell Laura I may be late I've something to do, that cannot wait He drove his car to the racing grounds He was the youngest driver there The crowed roared as they started the race 'Round the track they drove at a deadly pace No one knows what happened that day How his car overturned in flames But as they pulled him from the twisted wreck With his dying breath, they heard him say Tell Laura I love her, tell Laura I need her Tell Laura not to cry My love for her will never die And in the chapel where Laura prays For Tommy who passed away It was just for Laura he lived and died Alone in the chapel she can hear him cry Tell Laura I love her, tell Laura I need her Tell Laura not to cry My love for her will never die Tell Laura I love her
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Written by: Jeff Barry, Ben Raleigh
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, STEEPLECHASE MUSIC, Round Hill Music Big Loud Songs
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12 facts about this song
Evolution of the Song"Tell Laura I Love Her" was initially performed by Ray Peterson in 1960. However, the song composed by Jeff Barry and Ben Raleigh has been covered by many artists, including Ricky Valance.
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ControversyThe song was considered controversial at the time due to its tragic storyline. It tells the tale of the protagonist entering a car race to win money for his girlfriend's engagement ring, but he tragically dies in a crash.
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Chart PerformanceDespite initial controversy, Peterson’s version reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1960, showcasing the song's popularity during this time.
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International SuccessRicky Valance's cover became a hit in the UK, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1960. Making him the first Welshman to have a UK Number One hit single.
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Impact on Ricky Valance's CareerThe success of "Tell Laura I Love Her" effectively launched Ricky Valance's career. Even though he could not replicate the same level of success with his subsequent releases, this song made him a one-hit-wonder.
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Reaction in Various CountriesVarious versions of "Tell Laura I Love Her" have charted in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and Norway, showcasing its global appeal.
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LegacyThe song has persisted in popular culture over the years, being covered by several artists in different languages and appearing in various films and television shows.
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Contribution to the Composer's CareerFor Jeff Barry, co-writing "Tell Laura I Love Her" was one of his early successes that helped establish his career as a prolific songwriter. He later went on to co-write numerous other hit songs.
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Genre"Tell Laura I Love Her" is categorized under pop and teen tragedy songs – a popular storytelling genre in the late '50s and early '60s – melding story-telling lyrics with popular music.
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Different InterpretationsThe song's tragedy-driven narrative leaves room for different interpretations. Some see it as a classic love story cut short, while others view it as a cautionary tale about reckless behavior.
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Influence on Popular CultureDespite its tragic storyline, "Tell Laura I Love Her" has made its mark on pop culture. Its lines and melody continue to be replicated and parodied in various forms of entertainment, over 60 years after its release.
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Awards and RecognitionAlthough the song did not receive any awards at the time of its release, its enduring popularity and influence on pop culture make it a classic in its own right.
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Citation
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