One Love
Ricky and Cathy Riso Lyrics
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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 may be late
I've something to do that cannot wait
He drove his car to the racing ground
He was the youngest driver there
The crowd 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
Now in the chapel where Laura prays
For her 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
The song "Tell Laura I Love Her" by Ricky Valance was originally a poem by Jeff Barry, Ben Raleigh and Ellie Greenwich. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Ricky and Cathy Riso's version titled "One Love." The lyrics tell the heartbreaking story of young lovers named Laura and Tommy. Tommy wants to give Laura everything, including a wedding ring, but becomes consumed with the desire to win a stock car race with a thousand dollar prize. Despite his efforts to contact Laura, he is unable to reach her before the race begins. Tragically, Tommy's car overturns and catches fire during the race, causing him to die with his final words being a plea to have Laura told of his love for her.
Despite its tragic ending, "One Love" is a song that speaks to the power of love that transcends even death. The song's message is that true love never dies and that it's important to express our love for those we care about while we still have the chance. The song's melody is gentle and reflective, with the lyrics being delivered in a tender yet forceful tone.
Line by Line Meaning
Laura and Tommy were lovers
Laura and Tommy had an intimate relationship
He wanted to give her everything
Tommy wanted to provide Laura with everything she wanted
Flowers, presents and most of all a wedding ring
Tommy intended to give Laura romantic gifts, culminating in a marriage proposal
He saw a sign for a stock car race
Tommy became aware of a stock car race he could participate in
A thousand dollar prize it read
The race offered a significant monetary reward
He couldn't get Laura on the phone
Tommy was unable to reach Laura via telephone
So to her mother Tommy said
Tommy conveyed a message to Laura's mother in order to reach Laura
Tell Laura I love her, tell Laura I need her
Tommy wanted Laura to know how much he loved and depended on her
Tell Laura I may be late
Tommy informed Laura that he may be delayed
He drove his car to the racing ground
Tommy traveled to the race location with his car
He was the youngest driver there
Tommy was the most youthful participant in the race
The crowd roared as they started the race
The spectators expressed excitement as the race began
Round the track they drove at a deadly pace
The drivers traveled around the track at a perilously fast speed
No one knows what happened that day
The details surrounding the fatal accident are unknown
How his car overturned in flames
Tommy's vehicle flipped and ignited
But as they pulled him from the twisted wreck
Rescuers extracted Tommy from his mangled car
With his dying breath, they heard him say
Tommy spoke his last words before passing away
Tell Laura I love her, tell Laura I need her
Tommy's affection for Laura remained strong even in his final moments
Tell Laura not to cry
Tommy didn't want Laura to be sad
My love for her will never die
Tommy's feelings for Laura would never fade
Now in the chapel where Laura prays
Laura frequented a chapel to express her faith
For her Tommy who passed away
Laura mourned the loss of Tommy
It was just for Laura he lived and died
Tommy's love for Laura defined his existence and ultimately led to his demise
Alone in the chapel she can hear him cry
Laura experiences an emotional connection to Tommy's memory in the solitude of the chapel
Tell Laura I love her, tell Laura I need her
Tommy's message to Laura continued to echo in her mind and heart
Lyrics © Round Hill Music Big Loud Songs
Written by: Jeff Barry, Ben Raleigh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jasondudley7523
This was our wedding song...25 years and we love each other more and more, god is good
@mfoxxie1236
Such a lovely weddi g song been years since I heardit.
@zenniegalway4192
I chose this as first dance on our wedding.