About the song
Ray Peterson’s “Tell Laura I Love Her” is a poignant ballad from the early 1960s that tells a tragic story of love and loss, capturing the hearts of listeners with its emotional depth and soulful melody. Released in 1960 as a single and later included in his album “Tell Laura I Love Her and More Great Hits,” this song showcases Peterson’s ability to convey raw emotion through his powerful vocals and evocative storytelling.
Written by Jeff Barry and Ben Raleigh, “Tell Laura I Love Her” narrates the tale of a young man who enters a stock car race in hopes of winning prize money to buy a wedding ring for his beloved Laura. Tragically, he meets with a fatal accident during the race, and in his final moments, he utters the words “Tell Laura I love her” as his dying wish. The song’s haunting lyrics and melancholic melody resonate deeply, eliciting empathy and sadness from listeners.
Upon its release, “Tell Laura I Love Her” stirred controversy due to its somber theme and was banned by several radio stations in the United States. Despite this, the song climbed the charts, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its popularity extended internationally, cementing Ray Peterson’s reputation as a talented balladeer.
Beyond its chart success, “Tell Laura I Love Her” has endured as a classic of its genre, frequently covered by various artists and referenced in popular culture. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to evoke powerful emotions and provoke contemplation about the fragility of life and the depth of love.
Ray Peterson’s rendition of “Tell Laura I Love Her” remains a haunting reminder of love’s tragic consequences and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in music. Whether rediscovering its melancholic beauty or encountering it for the first time, the song invites listeners to reflect on themes of love, loss, and the poignant moments that shape our lives.
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Lyrics
Laura and Tommy were lovers
He wanted to give her everything
Flowers, presents,
But 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
Around the track they drove at a deadly pace
No one knows what happened that day
Or 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
Now in the chapel where Laura prays
For her poor 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
Tell Laura I need her
Tell Laura not to cry
My love for her will never die