43 Best Songs About Letting Go

Although there have been a lot of studies into human psychology over the last few hundred years, there are still some common problems that people repeatedly deal with in life. 

One of those problems that plague so many of us is not knowing when to let go of a person or situation. 

And there are myriad ways that this can be done and also many situations where it is needed. 

First, let’s examine some metaphors that can help us understand this problem…

• Have you ever tried your hand at computer programming and your program crashed because the computer code contained an infinite loop?
• Have you ever gotten a car stuck in mud or ice and the wheels just spin every time you try to accelerate?
• Have you ever tried to listen to a scratched compact disc or vinyl record and the same segment just keeps repeating? 

Well, these are all good analogies for what can happen in our brains sometimes and it can cause mental and emotional problems when we are stuck in a rut like this.

Other situations that can arise involve loving someone who doesn’t reciprocate your feelings or treats you badly.

And a classic challenge for parents is learning to let go a little as their children grow up and don’t need your help all the time. 

So how should you deal with these hurdles?

Sometimes all it takes is an adjustment of your attitude, simply not caring about things that you can’t control, or deciding not to hold yourself or your life to standards that are impossible to achieve.

This is probably the best solution and hopefully, some of these songs will help you to practice this perspective!

At other times, it is important to realize that you aren’t alone in the world and that other people care about you and can help you through tough situations. Let them help you!

And finally, sometimes you just need to blow off some steam and relax… This could be taking a break or vacation, spending time with family and friends, or even having a cold beer (or ten).

The good news is that musicians have got your back when it comes to all of these solutions. 

So without further ado, let’s take a listen to some of the best tracks to help you let go!

1. I Can’t Make You Love Me – Bonnie Raitt

This is one of the ultimate songs to deal with unrequited love and its chorus is extremely catchy for a slow song.

Sometimes love can feel like obsession and a lot of films, books, and songs romanticize the idea of a love that never quits.

But that isn’t really a pragmatic view and if we’re being honest with ourselves, it’s not very healthy either. 

And in this track, the singer wants to cherish one more night with her lover before parting ways. 

Because she has come to terms with reality and realizes it’s time to “give up this fight.”

• Written by: Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin
• Year Released: 1991
• Album: Luck of the Draw

2. She’s Leaving Home – The Beatles

This song never ceases to be heartbreaking when I hear it.

And the Beatles did such an amazing job writing and singing it, that even people without children can completely empathize and feel the pain of the situation. 

As a couple’s daughter leaves her parents’ home with only a letter to say goodbye, fears, and regrets consume her dear mother and father. 

And although this is an extreme version of having to relinquish your presence and influence in your children’s lives as they grow up, it is something that most people eventually have to deal with. 

So if you’re a parent, I think this song is an important reminder to think about the future now and make sure that you spend enough time with your kid(s) so you don’t have regrets later in life. 

• Written by: Paul McCartney and John Lennon
• Year Released: 1967
• Album: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

3. Seasons in the Sun – Terry Jacks

This tune is an excellent illustration of how to compartmentalize life’s experiences, without dwelling on them in an unhealthy way. 

It’s actually based on an earlier Belgian song and was originally written in French by Jacques Brel, a name that may be familiar to you if you ever studied French at high school or university. 

And the song is about a dying man who is saying goodbye (and letting go) of people and periods in his life, showing appreciation for the good experiences he had as he does so. 

Now that’s a lot better than dwelling on all of the things that you regret and wish you had done differently.

And sometimes being thankful for the good times and having a positive attitude about the past is all you need to do if you are stuck in a dark place mentally. 

• Written by: Jacques Brel
• Year Released: 1974
• Album: Seasons in the Sun

4. It Doesn’t Matter – The Chemical Brothers

Sometimes it may feel like the roof is collapsing over your head but (hopefully) it’s all in your mind. 

This classic Electronica song repeats one phrase over and over, but sometimes it’s a message we all need to be reminded of.

Each of us is just one person among billions of people, on one planet circling a star in a universe of countless other stars.

So however big your problem may seem at the moment, just think… will it matter in a year, or in five years?

Probably not, so just let it go! 

• Written by: Tom Rowlands, Ed Simons, Paul Conty, and 4 others
• Year Released: 1997
• Album: Dig Your Own Hole

5. I’m Not Worried at All – Moby 

This is another great and relaxing track to help you forget about your troubles.

Even when “Around me burdens seem to fall” you can choose just to keep your chin up and let the chips fall where they may.

Although this is a song that flirts with religion and God’s saving grace, you don’t have to belong to any organized religion to benefit from this advice!

• Written by: Moby
• Year Released: 2002
• Album: 18

6. Monkey Wrench – Foo Fighters

7. You Are Not Alone – Michael Jackson

8. Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin

9. If You Don’t Want My Love – Bobby Womack and Peace

10. Lean On Me – Bill Withers

11. Let It Go – Demi Lovato

12. Out of Pocket – Black Stone Cherry

13. (Don’t Worry) If There’s a Hell Below, We’re All Going to Go – Curtis Mayfield

14. Let It Be – The Beatles

15. Chewin’ George Lucas’ Chocolate / Goofy’s Concern – Butthole Surfers

16. Comfortably Numb – Pink Floyd

17. One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer – George Thorogood

18. You’ve Got a Friend – James Taylor

19. Shut Up and Let Me Go – The Ting Tings

20. You Learn – Alanis Morissette

21. Bad Religion – Frank Ocean

22. When the Party’s Over – Billie Eilish

23. My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion

24. Ready, Set, Don’t Go – Billy Ray Cyrus

25. See You Again – Carrie Underwood

26. Song for the Dumped – Ben Folds Five

27. Don’t Look Back in Anger – Oasis 

28. 100 Letters – Halsey 

29. 20 Something – SZA

30. Father and Son – Cat Stevens

31. Love Yourself – Justin Bieber

32. Don’t Give Up – Peter Gabriel feat. Kate Bush

33. Best Days of Your Life – Kellie Pickler

34. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together – Taylor Swift

35. IDGAF – Dua Lipa

36. Let Me Go – Hailee Steinfeld, Alesso feat. Florida Georgia Line and WATT

37. Bye Bye Bye – *N’Sync  

38. Stronger – Britney Spears

39. Irreplaceable – Beyonce

40. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor

41. No Woman, No Cry – Bob Marley and The Wailers

42. Jesus, Take the Wheel – Carrie Underwood

43. I Cry – Flo Rida