The Box Tops - The Letter (Upbeat 1967)

[@kimberlyparkhurst4925]

Listening to this track and its also the year I was born. Sewing away

[@MikeNitro-og2xb]

Who's listening in 2024...still an awesome track

[@kurman4749]

Absolutely. A great song.

[@richbutler718]

I’m listening in 2024 , I remember listening to it when I was young I’m 66 now some how !!!! Still love it

[@WychePrimary-b3e]

Me listen.

[@refriedboogie]

2028 still going strong

[@FELIPEGARCIA-fk6zx]

Here !!😎

[@frankemro7346]

Alex Chilton, the lead singer, was 16 years old in this video. I am blown away by the voice and talent he had at such a young age. Godspeed brother!

[@Jgeneraledger23]

Did he pass? Always thought this was interesting too; age 16, wow. Personally. I never knew a 16 y/o who looked like THAT!

[@frankemro7346]

@Jgeneraledger23 He passed away in 2010. This video was recorded in 1967, and Alex Chilton was born in December of 1950. I agree he looked like a middle-aged man at the age of 16.

[@danniellazdavis1309]

What! Wow!

[@Maria-n6t2d]

Excellent tune!

[@claretutin3307]

Wow really ? All the years listening to this I never knew ❤

[@ssstephen801]

This one great song in 1960s when in high school wow

[@sakaridis]

My mind simply cannot comprehend the fact that a sixteen year old kid can produce such a voice and give a vocal performance like this! It is simply uncanny! Alex was really a rare breed. Unique, even.

[@brains25cents]

Agree! First I learned last month Brenda Lee was 13 when she sang Rockin Around the Christmas Tree and now this.

[@nj1255]

He was only sixteen when this was recorded?! He really had the voice of someone two or three times as old.

[@Sullywoo]

Andrew Strong was 16/17 when he was in the Commitments movie. Another powerful voice

[@ronfisher5259]

Close my eyes- this is coming out of the dashboard AM radio, windows down just gliding along

[@klaasj7808]

they used ai back then

[@robertwest4330]

I was 15. When this song came out!! AND IT Takes me back to those days Even Now Jan/2024!! That's what you call Music ! Absolutely Fantastic to hear This Again 🥳🥳 ❤ xxx

[@minimal_Sonntag]

And I was just born in ´67

[@colinwhyte1526]

Just a year younger than Alex Chiltern the lead singer on here then!

[@robertwest4330]

Thankyou I'll treasure this ...

[@clive373]

Me too! Good timing eh? And just when I thought it was all over, in 1997, I got dragged to a rave, by two young German punks! Last year I got into Bookmtown festival as an artist for free. All I had to do was wear my silver sequin frock, blue foam rubber mohican, fur coat, and basically have a laugh, like it was my duty! 😊

[@mariarampp4414]

🎉🎉🎉😊💚🎉👍

[@Mariluxyou]

Wow! This song brought back many memories from my childhood.

[@Unclescoot03]

I was born in 1965 and my dad played all the oldies and I still love them 59 years later. The 60s and 70s music will put you on another planet that no one will understand unless you have a love of the the oldies music. You don't need drugs or alcohol to appreciate the best music ever. God....take me back to the 60s /70s and leave me there....I'll be just fine.

[@davidderitis9068]

You took the words right outta my mouth: born in '65 too and enjoyed my dad playing all these good tunes !

[@NathanLaidlaw]

You bloody legends.. I was born in 83 but was lucky enough to have my awesome parents that raised me with this amazing proper music..

[@nathaliemurguet1635]

I was also born in 1965 and growed up with this music, and still enjoying it

[@TransportMusic]

Я тоже хотел бы оказаться в 60-х жаль что я в 2010 родился когда Чилтон умер причем я родился за 16 дней до его смерти

[@eelkemulder7329]

They only needed drugs and alcohol to make the music.

[@fob1xxl]

GOD, did I love this song. I was 21 when this came out. Those were some of the best times of my life ! I wish I could do it all over again......

[@wl4dymir]

Legendary song

[@h.h.497]

And I was 15 years old when this song came out. Good old times...! ❤

[@Skynyrdforever]

Those were the best of times with the best music by far.

[@worstknightmayor4439]

I was one ,but I enjoyed the song

[@aps4264]

Lucky you!!! I wasn’t even born yet. I have an affinity for the 1960’s.

[@suzanneshankle3077]

He was 16 years old and what a voice! When this song first came out, I was convinced it was an older guy singing, so quite surprised when I learned years later he was only 16!!

[@fremlinmartel9491]

Hello Suzanne, How are you doing?

[@marysalvi242]

WHAT!? You mean this gal at 72 years old is just finding out that information!? Okay, guess it's true, one learns something new everyday. Just looked up wiki..cool info on there too. peace light and love... ✌🏿

[@meryyomona5178]

OMG ! I really love his voice

[@Christina-tv6rm]

I was 14💗

[@gisanneali-clarke850]

Wow!

[@Cynthia-eu7yu]

In 67 I was in high school. I'm now 70 and enjoy that song more than ever.

[@danutabargiel9404]

Dobiegam siedemdziesiątki i nadal lubię posłuchać tego utworu. Pozdrawiam z Polski❤

[@capt.vonerich8632]

Still hits in 2024 confirmed.

[@RobertPaulGass]

I like how the pianist is joking about the session being fake.

[@timoflea8417]

Yeah. Producers did that a lot in the sixties, lip synching songs for TV performances. Thinking inside the box, ya think? 😋

[@jonathansteadman7935]

Should see some of the Stranglers early appearances, swopped instruments, moved the set, guitars without strings.....

[@Bobywan75]

@@jonathansteadman7935 Found one, it's hilarious ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/epOTh3WVgtKYgZI

[@jonathansteadman7935]

@@Bobywan75 yep, you got the one I was thinking of. 😂👍

[@jonathansteadman7935]

@@Bobywan75 there's another one that they move the stage around while they're playing, leaping up and down 👍

[@djtomfinn]

My band The Left Banke played a few gigs with The Boxtops in 1967. We became friends with Alex. He snd our lead singer Steve Martin Caro really hit it off. Alex was a truly special person, he called when he came to NYC and invited Steve to join him in the green room on the. Johnny Carson show. He was a really funny, nice and generous person. What a cool cat.

[@MGlasshead]

The Left Banke, one of the best bands ever... Thank you for your beautiful songs. For me, as great as Big Star.

[@midnightrider3165]

i remember left bank. i think their big hit was WALK AWAY RENEE. different sound than most of the other popular music of that time in the 60's. good tune.

[@cocomia9251]

amazing band !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@BorlandRIP8]

Tom Finn Happy 2017 from France ! Pretty Ballerina is the most beautiful song ever, thanx

[@Handsworthalpha]

Thanks for the great music Tom!

[@destinyzwarich-jensen3033]

Growing up, this was me my sister and our dads special. In june 2009, my dad was on life support. My sister and I held his hands and sung this song to him. Right before he passed

[@kingofkings6905]

I'm sorry for your loss. I hope you have wonderful memories of your dad. ☺️

[@tarablake7593]

wow tears in my old eyes reading your comment, god bless you girls, my time is close and i know i will be judged for my deeds, its all good though, they were all bad men who wanted to kill my friends, i couldnt allow that, god bless

[@oksomynameisjeff4212]

@Blake R oh sorry to hear that :(

[@oksomynameisjeff4212]

Sorry to hear your lost Jensen

[@richierichrich5654]

I'm sorry for your loss

[@dkat1108]

I was in vietnam 1969 I heard this song and lost it, lucky my new wife was there when I got home. Shit gets in your head when your in away for so long in a place you hate so much and there's nothing you can do about it.

[@settabell7738]

Thank you for your service sir

[@dkat1108]

@@settabell7738 Bless your heart thanks!

[@generator6946]

Don’t it?

[@trace-elementz1343]

Alex Chilton, a 16 year old with more soul than anyone's allowed!!!

[@amelie.kannewitz]

Yes!

[@phillipfolis4399]

Total example of midtown Memphis

[@harryknackers7892]

And looking quite demented.

[@trace-elementz1343]

@@harryknackers7892 Demented???? I think he’s quite lovely 🥰!!!!!!!

[@jg6698]

@@harryknackers7892 uh, no.

[@dalehood1846]

Rest in Peace Alex Chilton, lead singer of the BOXTOPS.

[@tomtom-by8rs]

Some asked who is still listening to this. Me, and I'm 74. This tune just happens to be a perfect combination of notes and chords and words.."Gimme a ticket for an aeroplane"...and they all just blend perfectly. In 1966 and 67, there was great music and great musicians, and somehow this tune found its way into the mix and was a mainstay for many of us. I loved being at Lynn Beach in Massachusetts with friends on a sunny week-end listening to this. Also, the era that it came out in helped its popularity. Most of us had never been on an airplane before. But we were about to start, with the first plane trips to basic training, the second for a quick trip home, and the third to Vietnam. And for some, that's all she wrote, end of story

[@ZapKite]

Siamo nel 2023 e ascolto questa canzone 20 volte al giorno ! Che epoca gli anni ‘60 , centinaia di capolavori musicali una cosa simile non sarà più possibile !

[@sandrajune1871]

This song drove me to move from Buffalo to San Francisco in 1984. What good times.

[@danielburke4113]

Did you stay or come back to Buffalo? I drove a Triumph to the Bay Area with a friend around 1968. I got a draft notice and drove back.

[@davidharvey6648]

I was 13 years old in 1967 and was literally on top of the world with all the great music that was being made and especially this particular song!! Still groovin' at 70❤️🇺🇸 fountains of youth in good music!!

[@johndean4765]

David Harvey 1967 HAS to be THE most outstanding year for so many great and creative pop records. The list is breath taking.

[@optimusminimus-v3d]

This is one of those great unforgettable songs from a band that a lot of people don’t know about.

[@OtterSeven]

I’m 28, just discovered right now because a random comment on fb said to check out the keyboard man’s face while faking to play. It was funny, yes, but what a song!! Gonna add it to my playlist right now

[@User43578-y]

Anyone else watching this in 2024

[@peterbury1934]

Yes i am right now, (26/08/2024 21: 30 hours) 73 years old , this was one om favorite songs, just bought my Lambretta, and was free as a bird.

[@ablanccanvas]

Damn straight! 😉♥️✨🇨🇦

[@TrojanGoddess56]

Here on August 31, 2024.

[@joegongora2200]

Still listening since 1967 I was 11 or 12 at the time. Still listening 👂 on 9/3/2024 I’m 68 years old and will continue to listen 👂 while I’m able to. I only listen to great 👍 music 🎶 because the 60’s was a time of great music 🎵.

[@nachteuleeins6030]

​@@peterbury1934 Glückwunsch nachträglich und noch viele gute Jahre ❤

[@GeorgeVreelandHill]

Forget the plane ticket. Just give me a ticket to go back in time to when songs like this were around.

[@terrencefirly3512]

George Vreeland Hill Damn straight lyrics you go there,pal :v keep it up

[@aprilgarcia2161]

Get me a ticket, I'll go too.

[@TheBob3759]

Amen to that.

[@samwasthebest6633]

Songs like these play in my garage everyday.

[@quidly259]

yep

[@jinx5739]

Young people in the 60s looked so flipping cool, I can't take it. We never thought we'd get old 😞

[@kevinruddy448]

Youth is wasted on the young,,,, Chinese proverb 🍲👌

[@befreiedeinengeist7715]

Damals war sogar die Zukunft besser👍

[@johneggebrecht923]

Couldn't agree more. 60 got here a LOT quicker than I thought it would.

[@deborahbecvar8834]

We were cool. Bell bottoms, boots etc lol

[@chuckhush916]

We make being old look good!

[@samspade8612]

A masterpiece, this song hits deep.

[@yowodup6094]

Soul deep

[@abbatsol7153]

I absolutely concord, this masterpiece engulfs a great era; the vibrations are electrifying, but also beautifully nostalgic!

[@heidemarieneumann1965]

Tatsächlich real true 😂💯💬😋

[@heidemarieneumann1965]

T rotzallem ein wunderbarer song♡

[@InesManquian]

¡como no voy a recordar esta cancion , yo tenia 7 añitos , hoy tengo 63 y todavia la escucha. Esta si que es musica verdadera musica ❤❤

[@davidwright1828]

Watched this video a dozen times, and never fails to put a smile on my face. A good matured middle finger to the whole farce of music marketing and TV fakery. John Evans magically playing the keyboard without touching it is the best part.

[@PacificSquidBear]

I agree - was in hysterics when the keyboardist was pulling faces

[@jameshelm2561]

I never knew this a fake music til you pointed it out. I am 13 years old, and still new to 80's music techniques. You would think if they are faking it, they would put a little effort into it. Drummer just barely taps his snare. Heard that one of these guys (Mike) also played with the Monkees.

[@davidwright1828]

james helm What happened is a lot of these 60s shows either didn't have proper setup for live playback or were too worried about safety (someone else in this thread mentiosn the producers were worried about the band tripping over their power cords!) Imagine if you showed to play live on national TV and were told you had to lip sync? This is why they're goofing it, just as a comment on how absurd things are.

[@cosmicheretic8129]

David Wright Nail on the head! I love they keyboard player smiling as he displays his-self playing keyboard...hilarious! Now "artists" ehem lip sync and auto tune out of choice lol.

[@georgemartin4963]

You are of course are aware that the lead singer was all of 16 years old when he recorded the single.

[@ZietTiger]

Who else is sitting here in the 2020 Quarantine listening to this awesome song?

[@kentmere100]

me ....what awesome vocals

[@CarolynGerhart]

Me

[@jenh6529]

Me 🤘🏻

[@soyprospera1]

Me

[@khanysafan1705]

Wasn't one of these guys only 16? The drummer? The singer looks pretty young.

[@E-MAN979]

I wish this song was longer

[@marcelazejdova5010]

me tooo

[@califdad4]

its because in those years a song needed to be about 2 minutes to get air play

[@MattsARocknRolla]

They accomplished more in 2 minutes than bands did with 8 minutes in the 70s

[@X-OR_]

That's what she said...... Sorry, just watched the office

[@Karen-dk1ec]

The cut on their album is longer, which is on KZbin. It's nice that the song & instrumental music is longer rendering more complexity, but Alex's voice is not as husky or deep as this version.

[@asboukcomfortable1670]

I love this song, love his voice! Classic! UK 🇬🇧

[@psychokarloff]

Alex Chilton was only 16 when he first recorded this tune!

[@zoki-kj3ox]

👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@RickRox75]

What a song. A classic and a quality song. The Letter was sung brilliantly by the late Alex Chilton. I cannot believe that he was just 16 years old at the time, great voice. NO.5 in the UK in October 1967, No.1 in the US during September & October 1967. The Letter was America's 2nd best seller of 1967 and the UK's 53rd. A real classic by The Box Tops which has stood the test of time. It still sounds great 55 years on.

[@matthewleahy4363]

Wow uk got no taste

[@redtargetball]

@@matthewleahy4363 lol everyone likes there own taste..

[@sarahleferne9641]

@@matthewleahy4363 loads of us bought it and loved it though. So loads of us did have taste 😊

[@timmyw1484]

Well said Brother!!! 👏👏👏

[@DarksideJohnny]

The singer was only 16!? That I didn't know! The guitar player on In A Gadda Da Vida (Iron Butterfly) was 15 or 16 when they recorded that song. I think the guitar player for Santana at Woodstock was only 16. I wonder how many people under 18 made it in the 60s?

[@bluebassett2]

They way they mock the lip-syncing is just hilarious. Diamond in the rough.

[@manichairdo6346]

My videos are playing outa sinc so what they are doing is unwittingly in sinc. Lol.

[@Pashasmom1]

Yeah, they're thrilled to death. Back then, who knew? But to look at American Bandstand from back then, now it's blatantly obvious.

[@candywarmuth2455]

Right?

[@lisadavenport476]

There is a early video of the beach boys doing the same thing. They rebelling against their dad, you tell no problem. Arms crossed. You'll see when you find it

[@WOODR52]

Dick clark was a real piece of s--t. I asked him for his autograph, he said get lost kid, my mom was standing right by my side. never went back to american bandstand.

[@risahall554]

What a voice. RIP Alex Chilton

[@jadaciousb63]

Chilton*

[@Karen-dk1ec]

Raw and sexy. He was a 'fox" as we said back in those days of fun and freedom. Alex literally rolled-out of bed from a long night of drinking the night before. His "bedroom" looks was authentic. There is something about his face and soulful brown eyes that I have fallen in love with. I hope is soul is at peace. At least he does not have to witness the Communist take over of country.

[@l2string]

Didn't he die about 11 years ago??

[@Karen-dk1ec]

@@l2string Alex did die in 2011 or 2010 from a heart attack.

[@charlesaguilar1708]

I still sing this song in memory of Alex Chilton!

[@GREATTECH1]

One of the BEST songs EVER. I was a teenager in the San Francisco Bay Area during the HIPPIE DAYS of the late 60's....Grace Slick, Janis Joplin, Jimmy Hendrix, Sly and the Family Stone. Such an awesome time to experience music. So glad I didn't miss it.

[@namcat53]

JIMI...now fix it.

[@p0lo9]

Great song... Joined the Marine Corps in 67 and my girl wrote me 3 letters a day until one day they stopped. Found out while in Vietnam she had gotten pregnant and married to a shmuck... This song always reminds me of that period of my life. Song is excellent and still a hit in my soul....

[@johnstuartsmith]

In Vietnam, that song about it being possible to get a ticket for an airplane to get to go home and back to my "baby" in an expedited timeframe tore at my heartstrings every time I heard it. Especially the part where all I had to do was get past somebody I could address as "Mister." The Animal's "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" struck a chord, too. Thank you for our service, etc...

[@jackcarlin942]

You deserved better,brother. Semper Fi.

[@daviddavies2945]

Lucky you. You should be grateful to the shmuck.

[@peteraustin370]

In hindsight..probably the BEST thing that happened for you..and I've had a few women in my life down the years..!!..Bless You and good luck always..from Plymouth UK..!!

[@wendoverlel7297]

Thank you for your service. I would wish to do the same, but I am mentally and physically unable to serve in any branches of the army.

[@corndog1001]

(G) Both Bill Cunningham and I are "playing" guitar because we're lip-synching. That means PRETENDING...Bill was the bass player, but decided not to "play" bass on that TV Show.(G1/2) It was not our first lip-synch and it wasn't in Germany. It was our millionth lip-synch (or so it seemed). It was in Cleveland. Nobody was surprised we had to lip-synch...bands ALWAYS lip-synched on TV, because the studios were not equipped for live sound. It would have been way to expensive. The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show were the only exceptions, because they had the space and the budget. We thought lip-synching was insulting to the audience because we knew that they knew we weren't playing. They didn't have amps or even guitar chords. There was NO ATTEMPT to make it look authentic on the Tv show's part.

[@strat6911]

Thanks for the insights, Gary. Very nice to hear first hand.

[@shortygirl239]

Who was the keyboard guy. We all love him

[@shortygirl239]

Gary Talley what is the name of the keyboard player

[@delrayhooter4183]

Are you and Cunningham the only ones left? Get group. I had the pleasure of seeing you several times live. Loved it.

[@retox2929]

LipSync, no problem with me. We get to see you. So cool. Thank You Gary!!!!

[@oddorvar1989]

Beautiful golden classic

[@gilhernandeziii4031]

I used to play it as a 45 Nice to see in 2023 😊

[@DustinPlatt]

I think the lead vocalist and keyboardist were best friends when they did this. Those faces.

[@Christopher95961]

That's his younger brother singing. ✌️

[@funguy4utube]

Both cool looking ladies men kinda guys ... maybe competing for the hottest fan gals

[@daisyglaze1817]

They're not brothers, lol

[@adenarrington7607]

They were lip syncing and making fun of it

[@Kajzer857]

The vocalist looks like a grandfather of grunge in his youth. Class.

[@markhunt4618]

Alex Chilton by name only seventeen in this video, very respected by his peers,also sung about in a song by the replacements I highly recommend called "Alex Chilton"

[@tigmite1]

yep, so true Urbann! He's quite sexy.

[@macandrewes]

Ha ha totally. That's Alex Chilton. He was 16 in this vid. Hard to believe I know but true. He went on to co-found Big Star. Give em a listen. Most influential band of the 70s that no one heard of...

[@aaronenriquez5122]

Yes true the Box Top was early influence to the Alternative and Grunge movement of the 90's

[@Kajzer857]

I knew it!

[@joeromanotto8583]

Just shy of two minutes, but one of the best pop songs ever written.

[@cheponis]

The best songs are all < 2 minutes.

[@crystalpower1217]

Minions

[@Losrandir]

@@cheponis Some of them extend to 3-5 minutes or so, but the song is really all

[@tonymcdonnell3065]

What a tune....nobody makes them like that anymore....

[@easternplantspecialtiesgre5905]

One of the best recorded and mixed songs of all time. I'm 64 and can literally imagine being at the Jersey shore hearing this. A tribute to the group, Alex Chilton and how uncompressed, analog recordings can still equal and surpass the best of modern stuff. In my top 10 of most listenable songs ever recorded...I wish there were more.

[@Metrowhite]

Whats the name of the rest 9 ?

[@TommyD1213]

Analog > digital

[@Musicman369]

I remember this as a kid, cheerful song, great beat. 🎶👍🎶🎶🎶🎶😎

[@kasssmith2404]

everytime I watch these old clips..i can't believe how bad their lip syncing was...

[@rttp-righttothepoint6656]

agree to the sonic aural pleasure. It sounds different that digital

[@almd_mlk]

The dude playing the organ is killing me 😂

[@nadineraguz783]

Me too 😂😂😂

[@deksea]

Look ma, no hands......

[@garymckay10]

Who adam Sandler lol

[@zsauffi]

March!

[@miguel2740]

is a organ, not a piano

[@DaveDerrick_UK]

I love how the keyboard player isn't even trying to mime to the soundtrack. 😊

[@blondwiththewind]

None of them were. Bands back then were pretty much pissed off that they were required to pretend to sing "on air" for the backing track. These guys weren't happy about it....and they clearly weren't in any mood to cooperate.

[@bethkelly6126]

He's an asshole. At least Alex is trying.

[@TheGafferBigAl]

14 years and I’m still Loving this masterpiece of A Song, Ty Alex Chilton, We Love You, I Love You and You will be missed! Look after for him us for God! Ty, R.I.P. Mr. Chilton this is for you, same name as me Ty, to me You’re A Sir Chilton, I Love You Man.🙌🏿🔥❤️

[@kneelandpray2878]

Fantastic voice, great track!

[@andrewpollock4599]

RIP Alex Chilton-one of rock's great voices.............

[@gizarg35]

I interview with Alex Clift

[@anyway02077]

다 외국인기잖아!

[@camwinters5672]

..

[@christineflores4011]

kneelandpray2 terrible voice what a weirdo.

[@bradkennett5759]

Heard this one over Armed Forces Radio..1968

[@bradkennett5759]

Great song, I think he was only 16 or 17 when he sang this.

[@bradkennett5759]

Yes those were the Days really young and full of, well you know. I was 19

[@reno145]

brad Kennett Thank you for your service!

[@Antman15201]

Thanks for your service

[@lancesheppard4118]

Glad your home brother

[@what_2046]

Anyone else listen to this song as a kid and completely forget about it and then just wake up with it in your head? Yeah it's the greatest. It's like seeing a friend you haven't seen in forever. It just makes your heart sing😩💖

[@kevinvm1968]

Omg what a song reliving the 60-90s what a time to be alive

[@ddownbond]

0:48 I love the cheesy fake smile on keyboardist face. It's like he was instructed to smile for the camera and a sarcastic smile is what we the viewers get.

[@VirreFriberg]

1:29 "Hey, I'm not playing!"

[@thegirlinquestion]

yes and the singer's smile after that too

[@danmeme7740]

Yeah and he was messing around taking his hands off the keyboard, pretty funny. The right after the singer smiles after watching the keyboardist on the screen. They were obviously not playing live and they didn't like it so made fun of it.

[@nataliacarolina97]

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 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

[@maximilianogabriel9982]

y de donde sacaste este buen gusto musical? no deberías escuchar taylor swift justin bieber etc?

[@Geovannytejada]

Felicidades chiquilla que gusto tan esquisito tienes !

[@MERCATOR313]

+Natalia Carolina Pérez Motta Para mí en la misma época era una ida para da nang, todo esto para nada, cual marranada de guerra.

[@macandrewes]

+LostTrack01 because ppl love the words. I hope for your sake you're not as completely miserable as you seem

[@Tramatik48]

Love it

[@maemaemae6890]

Oh my god this is so funny. The drummer slowly and woodenly tapping away, staring ahead blankly. The guitarist making strange faces at the camera and trying not to smile. The keyboardist- lifting his hands mid-song and shrugging at the camera, then gesturing at the keyboard as the part magically continues to play...! Oh my god. Alex Chilton repressing a grin and banging lightly on the tambourine. I'm dying of laughter here.

[@nestor5429]

It's a great song though.

[@maemaemae6890]

eddy leirens Absolutely! One of my all-time favorites! I just feel so bad for them in this video, but I'm laughing at the same time!

[@tekkiss]

Mae MaeMae I think the video was done just for laugh, better times when the important regarding the music was the music itself and not the face of the singer

[@kathrynmcmorrow7170]

But it's cool.

[@maemaemae6890]

Ester Blanco I know, it's pretty obvious the band was having fun here. I'm just saying they did a great job and the result was hilarious... clearly they were making fun of the lip-syncing.

[@KrisHughes]

Love how they're totally taking the piss about lip-synching.

[@rrmauriello]

is live tv!

[@jakeornot6306]

At first, I did, too. Then, I recalled what it was like to be so disappointed that a band only cared about themselves, and not squat about the viewers who longed for, at least the fantasy, that the band was really singing and playing instruments. I'm glad I was blissfully unaware.

[@Kate1Chopin]

Back then we never saw the band, no satellite TV. I fell in love with Alex's voice. We all assumed it was a black soul band! Followed him through Big Star. Love him for ever. 💕

[@robertallen6710]

I remember when this song came out...I never thought it was a black band...not the sound a black band at the time would have made...

[@mikecausey5860]

Hes still touring too

[@CraigLafferty]

@@mikecausey5860 Alex is definitely not touring!

[@seanmcd72]

How old is he here?

[@califdad4]

@@seanmcd72 he died in March 2010 while in New Orleans

[@marcoalaridwhite1315]

I've never seen a video like this where the band was clowning so much on the lip synching/backing track. This is kind of wonderfully bizarre

[@KutiePieKiera]

bruh you ever seen nirvana on top of the pops? That’s hilarious

[@matthatter2849]

Check out some of Buffalo Springfield's t.v. appearances in the late '60's. They could never keep it together. Especially in the one where they lip sync to "For What It's Worth" and drummer Dewey Martin is out front with the baseball cap. Him and Neil Young start having a field day with the drumsticks. LOL.

[@edtruitt5803]

You need to check out some Raiders video if you like that thing.

[@dang2443]

very common actually

[@buddhull]

Public Image Ltd. and Oasis had some similar moments on Top of the Pops

[@joaobertolo575]

Eu tinha 15 anos(1967) quando comecei a gostar dessa música, ate' hoje eu a ouco de vez em quando para matar saudades!

[@PRR3750Railfan]

Phenomenal song. Rest in peace Alex.

[@maximilianogabriel9982]

67'/73" best years rock n roll..!

[@daysturn1971]

and 64-66

[@josephsanthuff4482]

50s to early 90s

[@anyway02077]

바보들아

[@josephsanthuff4482]

Cside66 true but what about queen, huh huh explain that.

[@Asdf-mi2ug]

Member Rock and Roll was good. I member!

[@viclyd]

And here I am, 55 years after its release, loving this song. Unbelievable. 🎶

[@maddieme69]

I loved this song. He has such a raspy voice!

[@thomasmanning829]

I was 15 living at Newport Beach California. I was a little wild. I left home and was hitching north with a couple of friends when a flatbed semi picked us up. There was not room for all of us in the cab so I rode outside behind the cab, north toward San Francisco. This song was at it's height then and I loved it!

[@Hayley123454]

I was born in 1992 and I'm a big Big Star fan and showed this to my dad, who was born in 1948. He remembered this song and had a big smile on his face. He hadn't heard it in decades, and still remembered some of the lyrics.

[@dalegypsy4309]

Bought this album from June 1967 today ...it's 2021

[@channelfogg6629]

I first heard this on a juke box in a cafe in Victoria (London) at 830 in the morning. It hits me as hard now as it did then. Pure genius.

[@zoki-kj3ox]

I heard this song night before, maybe tonight.. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@carrieb9106]

2023 here. I love this song. Love love love 💞💖💕

[@zoki-kj3ox]

Yes, Aberdeen here 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@kevinruddy448]

A timeless classic of rock and blues 🎶🌟😎☘️👍

[@m3talentagency680]

Born in 1968. The best music I've ever heard comes from those years. Rock exploded in billions of different colors and sounds.

[@RoseyGates]

Always loved this song. What a gorgeous deep voice. Sad eyes and pouty lips.

[@battleaxe93]

+Rosey Gates agree - absolutely love it

[@oldiesgeek5156]

+Rosey Gates the sad eyes may be due to the fact that he's taken too much of something. he looks so burned out it's depressing.

[@robertbro.....6076]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@robertbro.....6076]

Sounds like your depressed..

[@garyvandecar2580]

Wow what a voice, Alex Chilton was a mere 16 years old when he sang the Letter with the Box Tops in 1967 Rest in Peace Alex you were the best.

[@adriancole3165]

Remember it well, way back in 67/68!

[@gswdeclan]

The keyboard player is a legend, guy was having the time of his life goofing on the "live performance." RIP Alex.

[@MarioBarboza-l8d]

Rio,40°, Brasil, maravilhoso!

[@stinkfinga4918]

Quite possibly the most self-aware music video to date; they know what they're doing they just don't care.

[@nobodysfool8200]

These boys are not happy to be lip syncing. - shocking that Alex Chilton didn't become a major star. Apparently he was only 16 or 17 here. When u listen to his solo stuff and his work with big star - truly amazing that he never really made it. Regardless of money issues he always found a way to perform and record. A true artist.

[@mmpapaya8575]

Wtf that young???

[@steventellers4247]

I would say they were big stars they had about a half dozen hits from 67 through 69.

[@steventellers4247]

Neon Rainbow Sweet Cream Ladies Cry Like A Baby and a couple of others.

[@tobygordon]

Shocking he didn’t become a BIG STAR ;)

[@apatheticflow5712]

R.I.P Old man miss ya pop...... You instilled great music in me and that's your legacy to me.

[@RobertLane78]

Is this dedicated to your dad or someone in the group.?

[@ninarizzo7312]

Fabulous song by the BoxTops.🤗💯❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@rascalhusky8129]

Great unforgettable song sung by a unforgettable group in a unforgettable time. ❤

[@NewRootsHairUK]

Incredibly short record. But wow what an impact!

[@mykylc]

And there's Eddie Mahoney watching TV and thinks to himself...why yes, I do like this look. Do yourself a favor kids. Get some Big Star in your ears!

[@TheGrinchStoleMyBong]

Recently watched the doc on Netflix, awesome stuff

[@standingwave73]

Been listening to Big Star a lot lately. What an absolutely amazing band.

[@davidatwell1421]

Is it just me, but this guy actually looks like Eddie Money.

[@Purple_701]

March 2024 anyone

[@ivangranger8494]

April.

[@samdiner]

April on blue eyed northern soul playlist

[@katieann270]

May 2024!

[@user-zh1gr5mr5q]

Mayyy

[@kamkelevra]

May 4th

[@citizen1163]

Lead singer was 16/17yo. Amazing voice & stage presence.

[@michaelkoszowski3716]

pamla motown ....wow !!! ...he actually looked like eddie money ....

[@Lreldge]

He did better in big star

[@evathompson1289]

@@michaelkoszowski3716 tree 6r)poo

[@48firefox]

They don't make them like this any more, best decade of music the 60s, never be the same again, I'm 74 still be played long after I'm gone!

[@aKidNamedBrady]

I noticed a lot of the older generation enjoyed the late Mac Miller's last two albums. They definitely have a jazz element and are soulful, I recommend checking out his two last albums, Swimming, and Circles.

[@HuskerF-inDu]

Quite possibly the greatest song of all time. That's no exaggeration either. Chilton was 100% genius.

[@spivvo]

Maybe the their greatest of all time? But "the" greatest.... that's perhaps up for debate :)

[@KittyGrizGriz]

Grew up with this groovy tune; lead singer is sure cute…love his cheeky smile and what a great, masculine voice! 😻

[@DavidMoore-co2ze]

Uh oh meow. Someone's feeling frisky 😂

[@KittyGrizGriz]

@@DavidMoore-co2ze Can’t help myself; I ripped open a bag of catnip!!! 😹

[@beadyb.1781]

See that guy singing? That guy right there? He was fifteen when this was recorded.

[@affema1]

What guy? Where? I don't see him. Oh, him. Yeah, Alex Chilton. Wow! He is hot!!!!!

[@redwater4778]

but his voice is like 65

[@jdl6881]

BDconrad he's not 15 he looks 18-20

[@beadyb.1781]

Alex Chilton, born December 28, 1950. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Chilton

[@kukol]

16 i think when they made the song, tho he does look around late 30s and rough as fuck!

[@geniusjack1]

Just saw the Box Tops - the 2 original members that are still around, plus some other great musicians to round out the band. First concert for them in 15 months due to Covid. They were solid!!!

[@blackspot4194]

Sounds like a awesome experience. 😎👍

[@nomuraamraa8588]

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

[@robertthacher-ro6bh]

Thanks for posting the lyrics!

[@coramohr]

Aufruf zur Desertion! Antwort auf alle Kriege 👍

[@Salamander676]

This is the only comment that matters here

[@christopherrussell2611]

Whoaw, whoaw, whoaw - what a vocal, what a guy, what a band and it’s so well produced - TALENT ! remember what that was?then keep remembering because it’s a whole different ball game out there today my friends.- JaneR

[@terencehennegan1439]

How can a 12 year old be impressed by this record ?... I was that 12 year old and it’s still haunting !.... I’m now 65 !

[@rabbitrabbit1243]

That's because they had talent back then An the music was great

[@hobonickel]

Same here. I was 12 years old in 1967. I loved "The Letter" the first time I heard it and I still love it 54 years later. I always liked how they used "aeroplane" instead of "airplane".

[@maryanne72856]

your smarter than I was at the same age 12...I was into the monkees.... 65 coming up in july... I would not go back would miss the internet to much...hehe

[@cathymooney7498]

I was only 10 and I'm still loving it now and I'm 63

[@appaloosa1]

I was 12 5 years ago... But I love 50s and 60s rock, especially all the hard to find garage bands. I got my grandpa’s records and this was one of his 45s. It’s a little beat up but definitely a fun one to spin!

[@jackroper8829]

me and my best friend cruising in his 63 impala 327 back in 1967 listening to our favorite group " The Box Tops". lived those days! special time. I joined the marines in 1971

[@DrewJensen1979]

Thank you for your service, Marine.

[@jackroper8829]

Thanks for the words friend.

[@ddm220]

I blew buy you in my 65 Mustang ! : )

[@harlempunk4481]

Youre old now so stfu

[@jackroper8829]

you stfu you coward. you wouldn't say to my face!

[@edgarteran1894]

Our GI's during Vietnam requested this song a lot to their girl back home. To our vets that served. I want to thank you all for your service and also to our ladies nurses that served in Vietnam. You all deserve a big thank you for helping our men getting better from their wounds. God Bless you all. I would like to request please if we can see those letters and I can make a video. It's history that must not be forgotten. Thank you

[@ffrederickskitty4607]

The 65th Engineers EM club had a juke box, we nearly wore out this song and 'Judy in Disguise'.

[@klaasj7808]

@@MichaelSSmith-hs5pw i love it that everybody on youtube was in vietnam

[@klaasj7808]

@@MichaelSSmith-hs5pw but i guess the stupid ones are those youtubers that were in vietnam. didnt know semen could carry a rifle. i guess they werent even semen back then. the youtube fubar generation were not born until 2006.

[@MichaelSSmith-hs5pw]

@@klaasj7808 Your level of ignorance is beyond fubar, I don’t care what you think about me, I don’t think about you at all!💩

[@MichaelSSmith-hs5pw]

@@klaasj7808 I think you must be a snot nosed 13 year old troll, get off the air, your mommy’s calling you!

[@mikehand9698]

The Box Tops - The Letter ( Upbeat 1967 ) Great Oldie .

[@aurastone1]

[@marymagras559]

can I have this dance for the rest of my like

[@mikehand9698]

Mary Magras You sure can my dear :)

[@ervina02]

I always loved this song from the first time I heard it! It's very catchy. What a great voice he had and only 16 amazing! Continue to RIP ALEX

[@itdoesntmatter9361]

Shame he couldn't maintain his momentum. A total classic.

[@sandwichdude1944savepalestine]

0:34

[@ceilconstante640]

So many amazing songs from 1967! I can't think of any songs these days about a guy singing about his yearning to get back to his baby.

[@finlaymarron]

love is still an insanely popular topic of today's pop music. but it's not as good as this obviously.

[@glennroberts321]

I was a Marine, in Viet Nam when I first heard this song. Did I want to go home?

[@KittyGrizGriz]

@@glennroberts321 welcome home!✌️❤️

[@johnstuartsmith]

Whenever there are a whole lot of guys stuck halfway 'round the world fighting a bloody war, lyrics about their yearnings and hopes to be able to get back home aren't considered sappy.

[@billyg310]

the 60s are just a memory but they will always live on in the minds of people who lived through that amazing decade miss those days

[@Adamacaciastrainn]

The keyboardist cracks me up, "hey look! I'm not playing!"

[@jakekeys88music]

+Daveson I know, right? It was so awesome. It was almost like he was thumbing his nose at the music industry's way of doing the miming for music videos and "live TV performances".

[@jlogg8738]

+Daveson ai 1:53! God its awesome!> I would have never noticed otherwise.

[@maximilianogabriel9982]

hes looking drunk ! hehe

[@johnajda]

Not only the keyboard player.. they all (even Alex Chilton, the lead singer, cracks a smile about it a minute or two into the song) appear to be laughing about it inside and perfunctorily "going through the motions" (while not really playing).

[@kristofmagyaros2410]

He just showed his middlefinger at 1:34 so definitely theres something going behind the scenes

[@Taaaaaay]

2021, anyone STILL bopping like the first time hearing this? 🕺

[@TheFoolintherainn]

I'm going to see them next week.. I'll be bopping like an old fool in person - live! Although it would have been funnier to watch the keyboard player lip sync! they're coming to Alaska!!!!! They're still on tour - see if you can find them..! Let's support these older guys who got ripped off by the music industry years ago.. they don't make the billions they do now And it ain't even music anymore! Rock on!

[@Kedbuka]

17 years old...pretty darn impressive to come up with this great tune. It's held up very well.

[@Dicedude]

He was actually 16 when they recorded this. RIP Alex

[@lowratehitman]

+Dicedude was watch the Big Star documentary and they said 14..

[@Dicedude]

That may be true - he was anywhere from 14 to 16. In any case, a great voice.

[@joesan362]

Kedbuka The lead singer was your age when this song came out. I'm 60 now....

[@Kedbuka]

***** I thought Chilton wrote it. I see that I was wrong. Thank you for the heads-up.