Meaning and Lyrics of Let It Go by James Bay

Song Lyrics meaning ofย Let It Go by James Bay

About James Bay

James Bay is a British singer-songwriter who burst onto the music scene in 2014 with his soulful voice and bluesy guitar skills. Born in Hitchin, Hertfordshire in 1990, Bay started playing guitar at age 11 and honed his craft in Londonโ€™s pub circuit.

His debut EP, โ€œThe Dark of the Morning,โ€ caught the attention of Republic Records, leading to his breakout single โ€œLet It Goโ€ in 2014. This emotionally-charged ballad showcased Bayโ€™s raw vocal talent and knack for heartfelt lyrics, becoming a radio staple and propelling him into the spotlight.

Bayโ€™s debut album, โ€œChaos and the Calm,โ€ dropped in 2015 and went straight to number one in the UK. It spawned several hits, including โ€œHold Back the Riverโ€ and earned him three Grammy nominations. His distinctive look โ€“ long hair and fedora โ€“ became as recognizable as his music.

In 2018, Bay reinvented himself with a shorter haircut and a more electric sound on his sophomore album, โ€œElectric Light.โ€ His evolution continued with 2022โ€™s โ€œLeap,โ€ showcasing his versatility as an artist.

James Bayโ€™s music blends elements of folk, soul, and rock, with his emotive vocals and skilled guitar work remaining at the forefront of his sound. Heโ€™s established himself as a mainstay in the British music scene, known for his passionate live performances and ability to craft poignant, relatable songs.

Meaning of Let It Go by James Bay

โ€œLet It Goโ€ by James Bay is a song that captures the complexity of a failing relationship. The lyrics portray a journey from the initial excitement and connection in a relationship to the realization that it may be time to let go and move on.

In the first verse, the song sets the scene of a once vibrant relationship that has now evolved into tense moments and struggles. The familiarity and intimacy have given way to conflict and uncertainty. The repetitive nature of the actions mentioned, such as getting drunk or slamming doors, reflects a cycle of destructive behavior.

The pre-chorus highlights the growing tension and the realization that holding on to something that is no longer working is only leading to delusions and pain. The imagery of slipping near the edge suggests that the relationship is teetering on the brink of falling apart.

The chorus serves as a plea for acceptance and letting go. The repeated phrase โ€œWhy donโ€™t you be you, and Iโ€™ll be me?โ€ emphasizes the need for authenticity and individuality in a relationship. The notion of leaving whatโ€™s broken to the breeze suggests a sense of surrender and moving forward.

The second verse delves deeper into the struggle within the relationship, questioning its purpose and whether the turmoil is worth it. The realization that both individuals are changing and no longer recognizing themselves in the situation symbolizes the need for growth and change.

The bridge and breakdown further emphasize the heaviness and futility of trying to force a relationship that no longer fits. The metaphor of pushing a problem up the hill signifies the difficulty and exhaustion of trying to salvage something that may be beyond repair. The call to let go and let things slide conveys a sense of acceptance and release.

The outro echoes the earlier sentiments of acceptance and the importance of staying true to oneself. The repeated line โ€œWhy donโ€™t you be you, and Iโ€™ll be me?โ€ echoes throughout the song, driving home the message of individuality and authenticity in relationships.

Overall, โ€œLet It Goโ€ by James Bay is a poignant reflection on the complexities of relationships, the struggle for authenticity, and the courage to let go when necessary.

Lyrics of Let It Go by James Bay

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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)

Discography James Bay

Leap (Deluxe Edition)

Release: 2022-07-12
Label: Mercury Records/Republic Records
Popularity: ๐Ÿ‘
1. Give Me The Reason
2. Nowhere Left To Go
3. Save Your Love
4. Everybody Needs Someone
5. One Life
6. Silent Love
7. Love Donโ€™t Hate Me
8. Brilliant Still
9. Right Now
10. We Used To Shine
11. Endless Summer Nights
12. Better
13. Chew On My Heart
14. One Life โ€“ Acoustic
15. Give Me The Reason โ€“ Stripped Acoustic
16. Chew On My Heart โ€“ Acoustic
Tracklist Collapse

Leap

Release: 2022-07-08
Label: Mercury Records/Republic Records
Popularity: ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
1. Give Me The Reason
2. Nowhere Left To Go
3. Save Your Love
4. Everybody Needs Someone
5. One Life
6. Silent Love
7. Love Donโ€™t Hate Me
8. Brilliant Still
9. Right Now
10. We Used To Shine
11. Endless Summer Nights
12. Bette
Tracklist Collapse

Electric Light

Release: 2018-05-18
Label: Universal Records
Popularity: ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
1. Intro
2. Wasted On Each Other
3. Pink Lemonade
4. Wild Love
5. Us
6. In My Head
7. Interlude
8. Just For Tonight
9. Wanderlust
10. I Found You
11. Sugar Drunk High
12. Stand Up
13. Fade Out
14. Slide
Tracklist Collapse
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Leap (Deluxe Edition)

Release: 2022-07-12
Label: Mercury Records/Republic Records
Popularity: ๐Ÿ‘
1. Give Me The Reason
2. Nowhere Left To Go
3. Save Your Love
4. Everybody Needs Someone
5. One Life
6. Silent Love
7. Love Donโ€™t Hate Me
8. Brilliant Still
9. Right Now
10. We Used To Shine
11. Endless Summer Nights
12. Better
13. Chew On My Heart
14. One Life โ€“ Acoustic
15. Give Me The Reason โ€“ Stripped Acoustic
16. Chew On My Heart โ€“ Acoustic
Tracklist Collapse

Leap

Release: 2022-07-08
Label: Mercury Records/Republic Records
Popularity: ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
1. Give Me The Reason
2. Nowhere Left To Go
3. Save Your Love
4. Everybody Needs Someone
5. One Life
6. Silent Love
7. Love Donโ€™t Hate Me
8. Brilliant Still
9. Right Now
10. We Used To Shine
11. Endless Summer Nights
12. Bette
Tracklist Collapse

Electric Light

Release: 2018-05-18
Label: Universal Records
Popularity: ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘
1. Intro
2. Wasted On Each Other
3. Pink Lemonade
4. Wild Love
5. Us
6. In My Head
7. Interlude
8. Just For Tonight
9. Wanderlust
10. I Found You
11. Sugar Drunk High
12. Stand Up
13. Fade Out
14. Slide
Tracklist Collapse
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