Written by Jeff Barry and Ben Raleigh, this death rock ballad was recorded in the US by Ray Peterson on RCA Victor and in the UK by Ricky Valance on EMI-Columbia, both in 1960. Many radio stations banned this and other death rock ballads such as “Last Kiss” or “Endless Sleep,” fearing they would incite teens to commit suicide. However, it reached #7 on the national record charts in August 1960.
About This Song
Peterson is also known for having recorded “The Wonder of You” (later covered by Elvis Presley), “Missing You,” and “Corinna, Corinna.” Peterson began singing as a child, when he contracted polio. He would sing in the hospital to entertain the ward. He was known for his phenomenal four-octave range. He was also a Baptist minister. He died of cancer in 2005.
This was Jeff Barry’s first big pop hit. He went on to write many more with his wife Ellie Greenwich.
Video
Lyric
Laura and Tommy were loversHe wanted to give her everythingFlowers, presents and most of all, a wedding ringHe saw a sign for a stock car raceA thousand dollar prize it readHe couldn’t get Laura on the phoneSo to her mother, Tommy saidTell Laura I love her, tell Laura I need herTell Laura I may be lateI’ve something to do, that cannot waitHe drove his car to the racing groundsHe was the youngest driver thereAnd the crowed roared as they started the race‘Round the track they drove at a deadly paceNo one knows what happened that dayHow his car overturned in flamesBut as they pulled him from the twisted wreckWith his dying breath, they heard him sayTell Laura I love her, tell Laura I need herTell Laura not to cryMy love for her will never dieAnd in the chapel where Laura praysFor Tommy who passed awayIt was just for Laura he lived and diedAlone in the chapel she can hear him cryTell Laura I love her, tell Laura I need herTell Laura not to cryMy love for her will never dieTell Laura I love herTell Laura I love herTell Laura I love her