Released: 2019
Zach Bryan’s ‘Letting Someone Go’ is a heartfelt ballad that explores the pain of a love lost and the struggle of moving on. The song is a poignant reflection on the harsh reality of love and loss, and the difficulty of letting go of someone you deeply care for.
The opening lines of the song reveal a deep love that the singer had for his partner. When he says ‘You can’t lie to yourself after loving something true’, he’s admitting that the love he had was genuine and it’s hard to deny that. ‘And I’ve never loved a soul quite the way that I loved you’ shows the depth of his feelings and how unique this relationship was to him.
When Bryan sings ‘You told me you despise everything that I’ve become’, it’s clear that the relationship ended on a sour note. It’s a harsh reality that sometimes, people we love can grow to dislike us, or the people we become. The line ‘How we always turn into everything we’re running from’ shows the irony of trying to avoid becoming a certain type of person, only to end up becoming just that.
The verse ‘I miss the way you followed when you jaywalked in the street’ is a nostalgic reflection on the little things he misses about his partner. ‘Jaywalking’ is a term for crossing the street illegally, usually in a reckless or carefree manner. It’s a playful memory that adds a touch of lightness to the otherwise heavy song.
The chorus ‘Take it slow as you leave me, don’t you go home this evening with someone that you’re acting like is me’ is a plea for his ex to not rush into another relationship, especially one that’s just a replacement for what they had. It’s a common fear after a breakup, that your ex will quickly move on with someone else, leaving you feeling replaced and forgotten.
The line ‘And I will try my hardest darling, wait on a star that’s falling’ is a metaphor for holding onto hope, even when it seems impossible. Waiting on a falling star is like waiting for a miracle or a wish to come true. It’s a testament to his determination to move on, despite the pain.
The repeated line ‘Nothing kills you slower than letting someone go’ is a powerful statement about the lingering pain of a breakup. It’s a reminder that letting go is a process, and it often feels like a slow, painful death of the love you once had.
