LETTING YOU GO

Lyrics & Music: Ian McLeish
 

1.
I know that putting it down in song won't bring you back to me-
And I know that it's been far too long to recall what used to be;
But maybe, if you hear my words you'll understand my heart-
And maybe you'll forgive me then, for tearing yours apart...

2.
The days we had were oh so short, your laughter filled the air-
But another had a hold on me, I couldn't take you there;
And though I never said the words you wanted me to say-
I still love you after all this time, I remember to this day-

Chorus 1.
And I keep hanging on - I say that I will be strong-
But your face keeps comimg back to me, and my heart still lets me know:
The worst thing I ever did was letting you go-
The worst thing I erver did was letting you go.

3.
The times I tried to change your mind and reconcile again;
The letters and the telephone calls, my efforts were in vain-
One day another filled my life, she helped me to forget-
But she can't quite replace your smile, I dream about you yet-

Chorus 2.
So I keep hanging on -I'll prove that I will be strong;
Was I blind or was I crazy? I guess I'll never know-
The worst thing I ever did was letting you go-
The worst thing I ever did was letting you go.

Bridge.
Your sweet love blew right by me, like a leaf in the wind;
I turned and looked behind me, I had to feel that flash again;
Something about your honesty took my breath away-
And I never thought I'd live to rue the words I said that day...

4.
And though the years have passed us by, we see each other still;
You think about me as a friend, and I know you always will-
But i'd sell my soul to have the chance to hold you one more time-
I've put the pain behind me, but occaisionally I find-

Chorus 3.
That I'm still hanging on - trying to prove I'm strong;
I only had one chance to love you and I lost it - does it show?
The worst thing I ever did was letting yuo go-
The worst thing I ever did was letting you go.
 

Copyright: 1989 Ian McLeish
Published: 1989 McMusic Ltd. CAPAC
Renewed: 1994 Mousehole Music SOCAN
 

Chuck:Drums.
Ian:Bass,acoustic guitars,background vocals.
John:Electric guitars.
Mary Ellen:Lead & background vocals.
Geoff:Piano,synthesizers,string 'program'.
 

Letting You Go - Ottawa, Autumn 1989.
A lot of songs come out of a mysterious place, inspired by who knows what - but this one has a different story. I was reading an interview with Don Henley where he was telling how the songs he wrote came about. He was relating the end of a long and tortuous affair and how it had affected the songs on his latest album. Something he said just twigged in my brain. I started jotting down words and by the end of the day  'Letting You Go' was finished. Part inspiration, part experience, it was one of the easiest lyrics I ever wrote. A gift. And no, Don, you can't have part of the royalties.