July 26, 2012 Album: All the Little Lights

Let Her Go

Passenger

About Let Her Go

Read More Collapse “Let Her Go” is Passenger’s breakout single from his 2012 album All the Little Lights, released on July 26, 2012.

The song blends gentle acoustic guitar with poetic, bittersweet lyrics about love and loss, focusing on the realization of value only after something is gone.

Its universal message and heartfelt delivery helped it reach No. 1 in over 20 countries, earn multi-platinum certifications, and amass billions of streams and views worldwide.

Let Her Go Lyrics

[Produced by Mike Rosenberg and Chris Vallejo]

[Video by Dave Jensen and Tavic]

[Chorus]

Well, you only need the light when it's burning low

Only miss the sun when it starts to snow

Only know you love her when you let her go

Only know you've been high when you're feeling low

Only hate the road when you're missing home

Only know you love her when you let her go

[Post-Chorus]

And you let her go

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[Verse 1]

Staring at the bottom of your glass

Hoping one day you'll make a dream last

But dreams come slow and they go so fast

You see her when you close your eyes

Maybe one day you'll understand why

Everything you touch surely dies

[Chorus]

But you only need the light when it's burning low

Only miss the sun when it starts to snow

Only know you love her when you let her go

Only know you've been high when you're feeling low

Only hate the road when you're missing home

Only know you love her when you let her go

[Verse 2]

Staring at the ceiling in the dark

Same old empty feeling in your heart

'Cause love comes slow and it goes so fast

Well, you see her when you fall asleep

But never to touch and never to keep

'Cause you loved her too much and you dived too deep

[Chorus]

Well, you only need the light when it's burning low

Only miss the sun when it starts to snow

Only know you love her when you let her go

Only know you've been high when you're feeling low

Only hate the road when you're missing home

Only know you love her when you let her go

[Post-Chorus]

And you let her go, oh, woah, mm, oh

And you let her go, oh, woah, uh, no

Well, you let her go

[Chorus]

'Cause you only need the light when it's burning low

Only miss the sun when it starts to snow

Only know you love her when you let her go

Only know you've been high when you're feeling low

Only hate the road when you're missing home

Only know you love her when you let her go

[Outro]

'Cause you only need the light when it's burning low

Only miss the sun when it starts to snow

Only know you love her when you let her go

Only know you've been high when you're feeling low

Only hate the road when you're missing home

Only know you love her when you let her go

And you let her go

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Lyric Video of Let Her Go by Passenger

Line-by-Line Breakdown of Let Her Go Lyrics

The verses use contrasting imagery—such as light and dark, warmth and cold—to convey how people often understand the importance of love only in its absence. Passenger’s soft, emotive voice deepens the song’s introspective and nostalgic mood.

Vocal Parts in Let Her Go Lyrics

The song features a consistent lead vocal with light backing harmonies in the chorus, maintaining an intimate atmosphere. Subtle vocal swells in the bridge enhance emotional impact without breaking the gentle flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Let Her Go” about?

It’s about realizing the true value of someone or something only after it’s gone, told through poetic lyrical contrasts.

Who wrote “Let Her Go”?

Michael David Rosenberg, known professionally as Passenger.

How did the song perform commercially?

It topped charts in over 20 countries, sold millions of copies, and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time.

Has the song won any awards?

Yes, including the Ivor Novello Award for Most Performed Work in 2014.

Was the song featured in media?

Yes, it’s appeared in numerous TV shows, films, and commercials, becoming a go-to track for emotional storytelling.