Is "Before I Let Go" by Frankie Beverly a Breakup Song? Lyrics & Meaning Explored

The Meaning and Background of "Before I Let Go"

The song "Before I Let Go" was originally recorded by R&B/soul singer Frankie Beverly in 1981. It was released as a single by his band Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. While sometimes considered a love song, many interpret the lyrics to be about someone coming to terms with the end of a romantic relationship.

Lyrics Suggest Breakup and Moving On

The lyrics of "Before I Let Go" do seem to support the theory that it's a breakup song. Here's a look at some of the key lines:

"Though sometimes I feel I could cry from the pain/My tears of joy wash away all my pain"

These lyrics suggest the singer is feeling pain but trying to move on and find joy again after a difficult breakup.

"I guess there's no use in me crying/I must get on with my life"

Here the singer directly acknowledges the need to move on from the relationship and get on with life after the breakup.

"And I'll make it through each hour of each day/Cause nothing can stop me, no, no, no way"

The singer expresses determination to make it through this tough time and emphasizing that nothing will stop them from moving forward.

Release During Disco Era of Breakup Songs

"Before I Let Go" was released during the disco era of the late 1970s and early 80s. This period marked a time when popular music often explored romantic relationships and breakups.

Other examples of disco breakup songs included "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor, "Don't Leave Me This Way" by Thelma Houston, and "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" by McFadden & Whitehead.

So while "Before I Let Go" is an upbeat dance song, the lyrics about moving on from heartbreak align with other songs of the disco era.

Used in Beyonce's "Before I Let Go" Cover

In 2019, Beyonce released a cover version of "Before I Let Go" on her Homecoming live album. While keeping the original lyrics, Beyonce put a more contemporary spin on the song.

Given Beyonce's own marital troubles and tabloid drama over the years, some fans interpreted her version of "Before I Let Go" to have associations with relationship struggles in her own life.

However, Beyonce never directly stated that her cover had anything to do with a personal breakup. But the lyrics still lend themselves to being interpreted that way by fans.

Other Clues "Before I Let Go" is About a Breakup

Yearning for an Ex

There are lyrics that allude to the singer missing and yearning for their ex, even though they know the relationship is over:

"Can't count all the times I've cried in the night/Missing your love"

"I'll always think of the joy you've brought me/Even though you're gone, babe"

Sadness and Loss

The singer expresses profound grief and sadness due to the loss of the relationship:

"My heart was broken when you said we were through"

"Sometimes the pain is just too real"

"There are times when I want to run and hide"

Finding Strength to Move Forward

A clear theme in the song is the singer tapping into inner strength to get through the breakup and find a life without their ex:

"I must find a way to carry on"

"I'll make it through the storm"

"I must be strong, stand tall and brave it all"

Interpretations Beyond a Breakup Song

While there are plenty of clues that point to "Before I Let Go" being about recovering from a breakup, there are also alternative interpretations.

Leaving Behind Any Difficult Situation

Some see the lyrics being less about romantic relationships specifically, and more broadly about surmounting any difficult life challenge or change.

In this sense, the song is about finding inner resilience to leave behind any adverse situation and transition into a happier future.

Letting Go of Hurtful Past

There's an interpretation that the song represents freeing yourself emotionally from past hurts, grudges or perceptions that are holding you back.

The "letting go" in the title represents the singer moving on from negative influences from their past.

Finding Spiritual Rebirth

From a religious lens, some take the song to be about being born again in Christ and leaving behind past sins.

The breakup could represent rebirth as a new creation with God's joy washing away the pain of the past.

Breakup Anthem for the Ages

While the lyrics are open to different meanings, "Before I Let Go" remains a breakup anthem for many listeners.

The theme of saying goodbye to a lover and finding the power within to move forward resonates with the universal human experience of recovering from heartbreak.

Decades later, Frankie Beverly's song continues providing comfort, reassurance, and inspiration to anyone seeking the strength to let go after losing love.

Whatever personal meanings listeners find in the lyrics, "Before I Let Go" remains a beloved classic for anyone who needs help taking the difficult journey to life after a relationship ends.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.