“Let It Go” is a poignant and introspective song by English singer-songwriter James Bay, released in 2014 as part of his EP of the same name and later included in his debut studio album “Chaos and the Calm”.
The song, written by Bay and Paul Barry and produced by Jacquire King, explores the complexities of a deteriorating relationship and the process of letting go. The lyrics of “Let It Go” take listeners on an emotional journey, from the early stages of a relationship filled with excitement and intimacy to its eventual decline.
Bay uses vivid imagery and relatable situations to convey the struggle of holding onto something that’s no longer working, ultimately advocating for authenticity and the courage to move on. The song resonated strongly with audiences, achieving commercial success in multiple countries.
It peaked at number 10 on the UK Singles Chart and reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. “Let It Go” has been praised for its emotional depth and Bay’s powerful vocal performance, with critics noting its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“Let It Go” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
From walking home and talking loads
To seeing shows in evening clothes with you
From nervous touch and getting drunk
To staying up and waking up with you
The first verse reminisces about the early stages of the relationship. It describes shared experiences like walking home together, attending shows, and intimate moments.
The progression from “nervous touch” to “staying up and waking up” suggests the development of comfort and closeness in the relationship.
[Pre-Chorus]
Now we’re slipping near the edge
Holding something we don’t need
All this delusion in our heads
Is gonna bring us to our knees
This section indicates a shift in the relationship. The couple is “slipping near the edge,” suggesting they’re close to breaking up. The “delusion in our heads” implies they’ve been holding onto unrealistic expectations or ignoring problems, which is ultimately unsustainable.
[Chorus]
So, come on, let it go, just let it be
Why don’t you be you, and I’ll be me?
Everything that’s broke, leave it to the breeze
Why don’t you be you, and I’ll be me?
And I’ll be me
The chorus is a plea for authenticity and acceptance. The repeated line “Why don’t you be you, and I’ll be me?” emphasizes the need for both partners to be true to themselves rather than trying to change for each other. “Let it go” and “leave it to the breeze” suggest releasing the tension and problems in the relationship.
[Verse 2]
From throwing clothes across the floor
To teeth and claws and slamming doors at you
If this is all we’re living for
Why are we doing it, doing it, doing it anymore?
This verse portrays the deterioration of the relationship, with imagery of arguments (“teeth and claws and slamming doors”). The questioning line “If this is all we’re living for, why are we doing it anymore?” indicates a loss of purpose in continuing the relationship.
[Pre-Chorus]
I used to recognize myself
It’s funny how reflections change
When we’re becoming something else
I think it’s time to walk away
The second pre-chorus reflects on personal change. The line “It’s funny how reflections change when we’re becoming something else” suggests that the individuals have grown apart or changed in ways that make the relationship no longer viable.
[Bridge]
Tryna fit your hand inside of mine
When we know it just don’t belong
‘Cause no force on earth could make it feel right, no, no
Tryna push this problem up the hill
When it’s just too heavy to hold
I think now’s the time to let it slide
This section uses metaphors to illustrate the forced nature of the relationship. Trying to “fit your hand inside of mine” when it “just don’t belong” emphasizes the incompatibility between the partners. The imagery of pushing a problem “up the hill” represents the futile struggle to maintain the relationship.
[Breakdown]
So, come on, let it go, just let it be
Why don’t you be you, and I’ll be me?
Everything that’s broke, leave it to the breeze
Let the ashes fall, forget about me
The breakdown reiterates the chorus but adds “Let the ashes fall, forget about me,” suggesting a final acceptance of the relationship’s end and a willingness to move on.
[Outro]
Come on, let it go, just let it be
Why don’t you be you, and I’ll be me?
And I’ll be me
(Ooh, me, you)
The outro repeats the chorus’s main themes, emphasizing the need for both partners to be true to themselves and let go of what’s not working.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Let It Go”
James Bay’s “Let It Go” is a poignant song about the difficult process of ending a relationship and moving on. The song explores themes of acceptance, personal growth, and the bittersweet nature of letting go of something that’s no longer working.
The core message of the song is about recognizing when it’s time to end a relationship that has run its course. Bay encourages both parties to be true to themselves rather than trying to force a connection that’s no longer there.
The lyrics reflect on the journey from the happy beginnings of a relationship to the conflicts that arise, and ultimately to the realization that it’s better to part ways. The song serves as a way to process the complex emotions associated with a breakup. It acknowledges that sometimes relationships end and it’s okay to let go.
Bay’s inspiration for writing “Let It Go” came from his personal experiences with saying goodbye and accepting challenging farewells in his own life1. The songwriting process was described as an emotional outpouring, with Bay channeling his deepest feelings, fears, and vulnerabilities into the lyrics.
The song resonates with many listeners because it captures the universal experience of having to let go of something or someone, even when it’s difficult. It’s not just about romantic relationships, but can apply to any situation where moving on is necessary for personal growth and happiness.
“Let It Go” stands out from typical breakup songs by focusing on acceptance and wishing the other person well, rather than expressing bitterness or resentment. This mature perspective on ending relationships has contributed to the song’s popularity and emotional impact on listeners.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.