Five simple, but potent words: “I gotta let you go.” What’s the context of those lyrics? Well, on the short but ultra-relatable “Let You Go,” singer/songwriter Daniel Nelson expressively tussles with matters of the heart. Matters of the heart tend to naturally lend themselves to atonement. Specifically, one simple word that accurately describes what Nelson seeks to atone for – HEARTBREAK.
In his own words, Nelson describes “Let You Go” as a song about ‘going through a heartbreak and realizing you have to let the lover go, because they don’t feel the same way anymore.’ Evidence lies throughout, but a perfect example of the unrequited love occurs on the second verse:
“Baby, am I dreaming?
Wake me up, is this all we are?
Thought you had more feeling
Out of touch, close, but feel so far...”
Prior to that, Nelson expresses feelings of drowning essentially – being ‘underwater because his lover is pouring thoughts onto him about why she has to leave him, not letting him come up for air.’ “Body’s slowly sinking / Wanna stay, drown me with your thoughts,” he sings on the first verse. He continues, “Head underwater I’m fine / Every thought sinks me slow / Lost in this moment of time / Wasn’t sure but now I know / I gotta let you go.” He explains the aforementioned, five simple words that comprise the chorus as follows: ‘[The lover must] accept this decision and let her go, whether he is ready or not.’
The big takeaway from this moody ballad is that sometimes, you truly have to let things go, even if it is incredibly difficult. In this instance, a common love scenario, the protagonist was sinking deeper and deeper, and the results were completely unhealthy; counterproductive by all means. Nelson’s pain is the listener’s pleasure on “Let You Go,” which he sings beautifully and successfully delivers an authentic and relatable scenario.
You can learn more about Daniel Nelson here:
About The Curator - Brent Faulkner
Slightly eccentric with interests that seem to know no ends, restless ‘Renaissance Man’ is the best way to characterize Brent Faulkner, a native of Kentucky. A certified music educator, multi-instrumentalist, and composer known for his incredibly sharp ear, he lives and breathes music of a variety of styles. In addition to passion for educating, performing, and writing music, he’s equally passionate blogging and writing about it, managing his own site, The Musical Hype (https://themusicalhype.com). When he’s not intensely analyzing music, you can find him reading or watching a movie, reality television or some sporting event.