A lot of people automatically think this one is about my ex, as many songs on the album are. However, “Letting You Go” was written at the end of 2018 about a friendship that I needed to take a step away from. It was a pivotal time in my self development. I was learning how to set boundaries and break some unhealthy people-pleasing habits. It was a very uncomfortable process. This particular song is about a friendship I had to let go of after years of feeling like what I was doing was never enough. I played the role of the caretaker. I was spending more time making sure everyone else’s emotional needs were met, in turn leaving mine out to dry. Most of the time this had very little to do with them and everything to do with my ability to communicate and speak my truth and sometimes just flat out say “No.” Over the years I have found that it all boils down to self-love and worthiness. It is so easy to blame everyone else’s behavior for your own negative feelings but really, you teach people how to treat you and they can only love you as much as you love yourself.
I am happy to say I am friends with this person again and we are able to maintain a really balanced dynamic now.
The producer, Will, and I took on the influences of strong female voices for the recording of this one. We told the band to go for a Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, Grace Potter feel. They totally nailed it. This is one of my favorite tracks. Singing this one feels so empowering.
Letting You Go
Verse 1:
By letting you stay
I’m stealing from myself
Hearing you say
Your ideas are worth more than anyone else's
I can't keep my vibe high
Honey, oh I feel your pain
But I can't keep up with this life
Living in the shadow of your vein
So, I'm letting you go
Verse 2:
Your words they stick
Like tar on a summer's day
And I’ve done everything I can
To not let them scar
But I always knew that there’d come a day
And maybe I'm not the best
At saying what's on my brain
Oh, you never let me forget that
But I find it especially hard
When I got to do it every damn day
So, I'm letting you go
Bridge:
I’ll be okay
I remember how to find my own way
I can do what I want again
Without having to get it approved by you
At the end of each day
If I let you stay…
By letting you stay
I’m stealing from myself
Written by Taylor Rae
Letting You Go lyrics © TaylorRaeMusic (ASCAP)
