Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Let Her Go” by Passenger
“Let Her Go” by Passenger is a heartbreaking and reflective song about learning to let go of someone that you love. The protagonist in the song is painfully aware that this person will never love them in the same way and that to move forward they must let them go.
The song paints a vivid picture of the protagonist’s yearning, realization, and acceptance by expressing the pain and vulnerability they feel as they make the difficult decision to let go of someone. The opening lyrics, “Well you only need the light when it’s burning low, only miss the sun when it starts to snow,” express the depth of their sadness and loneliness when they are without the person they love. The feeling of longing is increased by the chorus, “Oh, let her go,” accompanied by an earnest breakdown of guitar and strings that further emphasizes the turmoil he feels.
The second verse captures the raw emotional breakdown the protagonist experiences as he resigns himself to letting the one they love move on with their life without them. The lyrics, “Love is a fragile thing, it can shatter like glass,” reflect the fragility and delicacy of relationships and the understanding that not all loves are meant to be. The feeling of helplessness is further enhanced by the question, “Only know you love her when you let her go?”
The song “Let Her Go” is an honest and reflective take on learning to let go of someone who will not love you back and accepting that there is power in moving forward. While it may be painful, it’s an important lesson that allows individuals to grow and find the love and happiness that they need and deserve.